--- Maison Ikkoku Guidebook Release 8: Part 6 of 8 Copyright 1995 by the Misery Loves Company (see the full copyright notice in part 1 of this guidebook) .5.> ==================================================================== @ep42 == Episode 42: == == Godai-kun broken bone! == == Chance of love in hospital room == ========================================================================== Discussion: ----------- Carragher-san on 94.03.30 said: [ This will be basically a whining post against ep #42. Feel free to ignore it. ] I just watched ep #42 at our local Cal-Animage showing, and was left very unsatisfied. I feel as though the animators completely copped out. First of all, the designs were very different from previous episodes, though not like the designs for the infamous #24's op/ed sequences. But that wasn't so bad. No, what I utterly destested was how they completely changed the storyline from what we translated to something, well ... nicer, I guess. It certainly had almost zero emotional impact. Whereas in the manga we see Godai's relationship with Kozue seemingly solidify (from Kyoko's point of view), which leads to the rather unmuted confrontation, in the animated version, she's trying to appear as a capable kanrinin (not needing the help of a tenant). There's no argument whatsoever over Kozue. We also skip right past the appearance of Akira, though that was not so important, and end up at the end of the chapter where Mitaka arrives with a broken leg. We miss the scene in the hospital room where they almost kiss, and outside, where again they almost kiss. Finally, it really doesn't propel the development of the relationship as the argument did, because while again Godai falls after rescuing Kyoko from her stubbornness, she doesn't connect her jealousy with the incident, and thus is not forced to evaluate her relationship with Godai, though Mitaka brings this up with her later anyway. I had to admit that I was wondering how they were going to pull this off. In the manga it felt a little rushed, though I haven't read the previous volumes (say, 5 and 6) in awhile, so I don't know if Takahashi had been developing Godai's and Kozue's relationship on-and-off, and this was simply a climax. But in the series, nothing had been said about Kozue and Godai since the early 30s, and maybe not even then. Then suddenly it's the Break-A-Leg-Godai episode. I waited two weeks for this, through finals week and spring break, to hear the knock-down, drag-out fight between the two. And I got this. I'm pissed! Clifford "Tenchi-Kun" Caoile on March 30th replied: -------- Robert Carragher wrote (and attends the same fine instutition, UCSD!): >[This will be basically a whining post against ep #42. Feel >free to ignore it.] Sorry, can't ignore this one...I watched and actually loved eps #42! >I just watched ep #42 at our local Cal-Animage showing, and >was left very unsatisfied. I feel as though the animators >completely copped out. Well, I guess I felt the opposite way, so much in fact I described the episode to a number of non-MI friends. Here's the assumptions: Robert has read the whole manga and has an understanding of the Japanese version. >No, what I utterly destested was how they completely changed >the storyline from what we translated to something, well ... >nicer, I guess. It certainly had almost zero emotional >impact Well, the truth will out. I didn't read the manga. And this is probably my downfall. (I hope to, in the future! Maybe my friend, Otaki-kun, will get me the normal books in Japan.) So I can't say I know that it was different. I am viewing the episodes Robert's watching the FIRST time. In fact, I think it's dangerous that I'm part of a Spoiler group devoted to my favorite anime, even when I have not seen all, know all... But anyway, I didn't think it had almost zero emotional impact...I think what I inferred from Robert's post is that it didn't have enough dips of emotion, from anger to "whatever that glazed eyes look is called". (Thanks or Flames in advance to William Chow, who can provide the only understanding I can give) (Anime) At the point when Godai walks off, mumbling about how he can't share his troubles, Kyoko probably thinks to herself that the situation between Godai and Kozue is not going well. I say this because *I* can't believe Kyoko believes that it's good that he is depressed, since Kyoko said before that it confirms a good relationship. I didn't catch jealousy from her that was probably evident in the manga, only acceptance that he is with someone else. (Anime) At the point where they walk, he falls down and she embraces him, she doesn't evaluate her relationship, but she DOES rest her head on his shoulder. I think that's where she realizes her relationship with Godai isn't just tenant to manager. Just like when she pauses while on the bridge, overlooking the train. She says something like, I have to take care of him. But she's probably thinking to herself, at what length? I agree it was nice. (Don't know if it's nicer..) But as a continuation of the anime, I felt it fit right in there. As for a fight (I agree I agree I agree!), I would like to have seen it. It would confirm her emotions about Kozue. Thank you Robert for manga insight. I do like to know what I miss from the manga...Oh, and those widebans in Yaohan are mine, if Otaki-kun doesn't go back...(Just kidding!) ------------- 94.04.03 to Subject: re: =MI= ep #42 must be obliterated!! On March 30, Bob opined: > I just watched ep #42 at our local Cal-Animage showing, and > was left very unsatisfied. > [ . . .] > I'm pissed! And on the same day, Clifford Caoile admitted: > Sorry, can't ignore this one...I watched and actually loved eps #42! > [ . . . ] > Well, the truth will out. I didn't read the manga. And this > is probably my downfall. Here's my viewpoint: I had been watching Maison Ikkoku anime for over a year before I even saw a *single* page of the manga. Out of all the story arcs I had seen up to May 1993-- and I had by then seen about two-thirds of the series-- I liked the broken-leg story arc (all two episodes of it) so much that I ranked it in second place. The only story arc I liked better, at the time, was the loose arc comprising the final four episodes. It was tough deciding on how I would rank the episodes. I thought episode 42 was pretty good (excepting the silly scene with Kyoko hanging off the gutter), but the second half of the broken-leg arc, Episode 43, was far superior-- in fact, ep43 is one of my all-time favorites: really nice character designs, good moments, and a touching ending. I decided to rate it as a package, and it still beat out most of the other story-arcs. Too bad the lead-in to ep43 is so poor. ==================================================================== @ep43 == Episode 43: == == Sparks of love! == == Hospital feud of Godai and Mitaka == ========================================================================== [ 94.04.10 19:00 Add in MI ML comments. ] = 166 lines Discussion: ----------- Bob Carragher on 94.04.06: Subject: =MI= Ep #42-43 thoughts (no synopsis, but possible spoilers) Well, our branch of Cal-Animage showed MI #43, the second part of the Godai-breaks-his-leg plot. I must say that this chapter handled its transition to animated version much better than #42. As most of you are aware, I was very upset by the animators decision to completely eliminate the big argument between Kyoko and Godai which, in the manga, led to Godai breaking his leg. However, the tension in the two chapters after the chapter following the argument and leg-breaking chapter was very well preserved in ep #43. It's almost like there were two different sets of animators working on these two eps. So, even though I was thoroughly disgusted by #42, I had a ball with #43. I wish the animators would follow Takahashi this closely more often. -------------- Jack Dietz on 94.04.06 responds: I noticed right off that it looked like a different animation crew than the episode previous. The characters had larger eyes and rounder faces. I was having trouble telling Godai and Mitaka apart! I didn't like it at first, but I guess I got used to it. Nevertheless, they were definitely distinct on that end. I don't _think_ they'd have two separate writing teams, but it's possible they had two separate writers or directors in order to get an episode out per week. It wouldn't show most of the time, only during a two-part episode like that. -------------- Glenn Tarigan, on 94.04.07, continues: With the recent comments about this episode, I'll add some more of my own. And I'll just reiterate: Episode 43 is up there in my list of top five favorite MI episodes (I haven't decided which are the other four, though...). Everything just seems to click for me in this episode. (And I've seen all of the series by now [ except for two episodes for which the manga version was mediocre, anyway ]. ) Unlike most other episodes, Episode 43 has a consistently good overall quality for the whole 22 or so minutes. The animation seems smoother and more realistic than usual. At the least, the characters look beautiful-- the whole cast looks nice, especially Kyoko. Few other episodes in the series have this polish. All IMHO. ^_^ If you go in sequence, I'd say the next really good episode after #43 is this one: #50: Kyoko in love at first sight?! A strange fellow moves into Ikkoku-kan Part of the reason I like it is that it has almost the same character design quality and good animation as in #43. I didn't really like the way they drew the characters for any of Episodes 44 to 49. By the way, Ep#50 happens to be an original story (i.e., it didn't appear in the manga). Here are some of the moments I liked in Episode 43: At the start, when Kyoko walks into the hospital room and greets Godai and Mitaka. I liked how they animated her. It was nice how they made her move. The moment when Kyoko leans over Godai, and they both smile at each other. They made an improvement on the manga scene when Kyoko writes "baka" in the snow: instead of using the tip of her umbrella (which is just too skinny to write with), she used her boot. Btw, this is the title of the manga chapter that the first half of the episode is based on: YUKI ni NI MOJI ==> "Two Characters in the Snow" Kanaya-sensei (who helped with one of our previous Deluxe Translations) said: --- begin quote --- The title here evokes a very famous haiku which can be read like this, if I remember well: "Hatsuyuki-ya! ninoji ninoji-no getano ato" ==> [It's the] first snow! [We can see on the snow] the prints of the geta (Japanese wooden shoe) in the shape of the character "ni" (two). Thus, "Yuki ni ninoji", after a Rumikian transformation, has become "Yuki ni ni moji". --- end quote --- Thus, making Kyoko use her boot instead of her umbrella (to write the message in snow) makes it match with the haiku. "The prints of the boot in the shape of BAKA." :) [ Now why didn't Takahashi do that in the manga? ] The welcome-home party: [ Yes, I liked this scene. ] Kyoko sits off to the side and cradles a glass. Yotsuya: Kanrinin-san, don't stay in the corner. Play with us. Ichinose: Don't bother. Not now. [ Ichinose sits down at the kotatsu. ] Yotsuya: How is that? Ichinose: She's being faithful to her late husband all of a sudden again. Akemi: Ehhh? Again? [ Ichinose and Akemi turn to look at Kyoko. ] Ichinose: She's quitting men, right? Kyoko: What do you mean? [ She looks back down at the floor. ] Akemi: Dead men don't betray, do they? Godai tries to shush Akemi: Wait a minute! The Loon Squad raise their glasses: Kanpai!! Meanwhile, Godai looks worriedly at Kyoko, who appears to be on the brink of tears. The scene when Kyoko says, "I can't just pamper Godai-san". Then he comes out the door... Finally when Mitaka, Kyoko and Godai are walking home. Neat lines: Kyoko, to both of them: Is your leg okay? Mitaka and Godai: Hai! They all smile. Mitaka and Godai, mentally: (omae no baka!) ("You dummy!") Actually, I like that final scene better than how it was handled in the manga. This way, it's ambiguous: are they calling Kyoko a dummy, or are they back to being enemies? In the manga, it was like this: Godai: (Mitaka no bakkyarou!) Mitaka: (Godai no bakkyarou!) In the scene when Godai and Mitaka are reading in bed while Kyoko sits nearby and knits, I noticed a few interesting bits: Godai is reading a manga, while Mitaka is reading a book of essays. I think I saw the title on Mitaka's book as "Easaist Man", a misspelling of "Essayist Man". Someone with a clearer copy should freeze-frame this and confirm it (my copy is at least third-generation, and it's recorded in EP mode). After Kyoko smiles at Godai, you can see the magazine Ichinose is reading: on the back cover is the kanji for "smile". I'd write an English synopsis for this... but I'd rather read other people's synopses. It's neat to see different interpretations and descriptions colored by other writer's viewpoints. ==================================================================== @ep48 == Episode 48: == == Godai's revelation. == == I wish you understand how I feel. == ========================================================================== Background info: --------------- Written and formatted by Clifford "Tenchi-kun" Caoile. (Init: CEC) (A lot of help from Arctic Animation's Maison Ikkoku subtitled episode #48. Thanks to Daisuke Susuki and William Chow. Thanks to Cal-Animage Beta and *Jack Dietz* at UCSD for providing the cassette. I maintain that the subtitles are reasonable translations of the dialogue, and I have taken steps to fix those AA "gaffs" where sentences just don't flow.) Revision history - "summary only / total" lines CEC-940514Sat 2313-0150 First half of the synopsis + background info. 214/272 CEC-....15Sun 1205-1453 Second half. 417/483 CEC-....16Mon 2250-2308 Re-read and edited some lines. 419/482 CEC-....22Sun 1613-1615 Uploaded to the MI guide 5! 419/477 Air date : 1987.2.25 Wed (according to Andy Johnson's Episode Airdates) Date of story: in February 1987 (according to Andy Johnson's Time Line) Duration: the first half is over a week or more (undetermined), the second half is one full day. Cast in order of appearance: Godai, Ichinose (Hanae), Kentaro, Souichiro (dog), Chigusa, Kyoko, Ritsuko, Yotsuya, Akemi, Ichinose. Episodes, before and after: I 47: Kyoko in a mess. Drunk and crazy I ... (present episode) R 49: Mitaka's training! No love is achieved if I'm scared of dogs Synopsis: -------- [ Opening Theme: Suki sa (I Love You), Anzen Chitai (Safety Zone). ] (The music is the from track 19, Music Blend 2, but with guitar instead of a harmonica. Also present in harmonica form at Baachan's departing, eps 70) The sun works its way towards the awaiting horizon above Ikkoku-kan. Souichiro's bark can be heard from the street. Walking home, Godai recognizes the sound, hops up and down to look over the wall, then runs to the foot of the walkway. Excited, he says, "I'm...", but he changes his expression. "...home." "Welcome back," Kentaro says, as he feeds Souichiro. Souichiro stands at the ready, tongue overlapping the bowl. Ichinose is behind her son, holding Kyoko's broom. Godai walks past Ichinose. She stares at down at Kentaro. He says, "Where's kanrinin-san?" Without turning around, Ichinose says, "She went home." Godai stops just short of the door. "She said her mother went down with a cold." "Really?" He turns to her. She turns to meet his gaze. "You don't believe me?" "Are they thinking of bringing up the subject of getting married again?" "I'm sure they'd talk about it." She turns back. "But then, she should make her parents happy, once in a while. Besides, it's not that she's not going to come back." His face contorts, and he starts to walk inside. "That's true." But midway through the entrance, he stops, and says to himself, uneasily, "Or she can't come back." He closes the door and turns on the porch light. [ As the title text fades onto the front of Ikkoku-kan, Kyoko voices the title text. ] A solitary figure walks home with his long-cast shadow. It's Mr. Chigusa. He hears a couple of voices in front of him. "Dad, carry me." A young girl laughs. "No, Et-chan. Dad is tired," her mom says. Chigusa stops and stares at them as they pass. "No problem.. Just a sec!" Her father strains and says, "Hey!" They walk on, in a happy mood. Chigusa looks back at his watch and his parcels hanging from his left hand, and sighs. At the Chigusa apartment, Chigusa opens the door. In a tired voice, he says, "I'm home. How is the cold, Ritsuko?" He turns to lock the door and bends over to untie his shoes. "Welcome home, dad." At the words, he jerks his head up. "Kyoko?" He struggles to strip off his shoes, excited to hear her daughter's voice. "What are you doing here?" He hops into the kitchen with a shoe still stuck to his left foot. "Kyoko?!?!" Kyoko looks up from her cooking. "What do I look like I'm doing? I'm substituting for mom." She wipes her hands on her apron. "I see. I'm glad you're here!" He brings his shoe close to his chest in an embrace. "Dad, your shoe." "Huh?" He holds his shoe behind his back and laughs. "This is nothing." While running to her room, hand still clutching his shoe, he yells, "Listen, dear! Kyoko is home!" Ritsuko says, "Don't speak so loud like a child." Kyoko still stands in the kitchen, surprised. "Kyoko is.." "I asked her to come. What are you doing with your shoe?" The food on the stove starts to steam. "Well, this is.. you know?" They laugh together. Kyoko looks towards their room in the corner of her eye. She says to herself out loud, "So, they are that happy?" Later, Kyoko serves Ritsuko and Chigusa the warm food. Ritsuko sits up in bed, eating her food from a tray while Chigusa sits at a table near her. "Ah!! Delicious. I'm so glad you could come," Ritsuko exclaims. Kyoko opens the lid of a pot sitting on a warming plate. "After all, I couldn't look after dad at all." Chigusa interjects. "The fever rises every time she tries to do something." "I didn't know." Kyoko serves the drinks. "There you go, dad." She pours a bottle for her father. Chigusa drinks the foaming liquid. "You're such a help." Kyoko sighs her relief and smiles. At night at Ikkoku-kan, the only lighted window is Godai's. Yotsuya says, "So, she wouldn't be back for several days? That's rather sad." Inside, Ichinose spins with her fans, Akemi and Yotsuya sit and drink beer, while Godai sits at his desk, trying to ignore them. After taking a long swig, Akemi says, "We just can't get into the mood, can we?" "You can't?" Godai yells in frustration. Yotsuya crawls over Godai's shoulder. "Weren't you studying?" "If you talk that loud, the headphones won't block out your voices!" Yotsuya merely cranks up the volume. Godai's ears fill with sound. Yelling, "Oh, you're studying English?!?!" Yotsuya retreats. Godai nervously removes the headphones and turns down the volume. "What do you think you're doing?!?!" Godai sighs, but Ichinose stands behind him, ready to torment him. "I know you're feeling lonely without kanrinin-san, but I'll look after you." Akemi comments, "Wow, you're so generous." Yotsuya adds, "Just like kanrinin-san." Godai suddenly stands up. "You've got to be kidding." Yotsuya's and Akemi's eyes turn to the airborne cassette player as they watch it shatter on the floor. "You haven't replaced the light bulb in the washroom and you haven't fixed the water leak, for starters." Yotsuya ignores him. The remnants of Godai's cassette play lay in his hands. "Godai-kun, I was wondering if fixing this would be the manager's work?" "It's in pieces." Godai says, depressingly. "Thirty-eight thousand yen." He sinks to the floor. "That's beyond my help." Ichinose starts to dance again. (As the screen pans to the starry night, Godai narrates: "And so, the first several days flew by quickly.") Kyoko opens the rice cooker. Water vapor slowly rises out of the machine. "You're looking much better, mom." Ritsuko holds her cheek. "Do I?" She places the back of her hand to her forehead. "I still feel exhausted." Chigusa falls behind her back to examine her. He places his palm to her forehead. "Let's see. I think you still have a fever." He turns to her and says, "Say aaaaaahhhhh.." Ritsuko opens her mouth and makes a sound. "The throat is still swollen." "I see," says Kyoko. The bright sun rises in the east as Kentaro runs along side Souichiro at the bridge. The dog drags Godai along. "One two three, one two three!!" They arrive at Ikkoku-kan in a huff. Godai takes the newspaper from the mailbox and walks inside, while Kentaro continues to play with Souichiro. He takes off his shoes, slips into his slippers, and walks toward Kyoko's room. He stretches his arms in the air and yawns. A hastily pasted note rests on the opaque window to Kyoko's door. Godai stares at it, then places the newspaper on the floor, on top of a stack of other unread newspapers. He backs off. (Godai narrates: "Kanrinin-san didn't come back after 4 or even 5 days.") Outside, Souichiro barks. Godai stares at him, hands holding his face. Godai turns to the broom leaning on the support. To himself, he says, "When is kanrinin-san coming back?" Godai stands up and walks towards the broom. As he starts to sweep, Souichiro's jaw drops. Turning to the dog, he says, "Hey, Souichiro, want to go for a walk?" Souichiro barks enthusiastically. A train crosses quickly across a road. As the warning poles rise, Godai and Souichiro run across the track. At the front of the station, they wait. A man runs to the other side of the street. A bus rolls by. Godai looks down as his hope ebbs away. "Ano?" A short man greets them. "Ichinose-san? Back from work?" "Yes, I was in an early shift." The sky burns with a lively tint of yellow. Godai, Souichiro, and Ichinose walk up the hill. "Were you waiting for kanrinin-san?" Ichinose asks. "Uh... no... I was just on the way for a walk." Ichinose stops. "How about a drink?" Godai simply stares. "I'm sorry. I feel like I forced you into coming with me." A train passes nearby as the screen zooms onto a food shack secluded inside an alleyway. "Of course not." Both Ichinose and Godai are sitting at a table. Ichinose slowly drinks from his cup. "I wonder if kanrinin-san's mother's condition is that bad?" Godai turns his head to his plate. "I wouldn't know." Water vapor slowly rises in front of them as the train continues its journey. Ichinose looks at Godai. Nervously, he says, "Is there something wrong?" Ichinose laughs softly. "Looking at you, I just remembered the time when I was young." Godai turns his eyes to Ichinose. "I had a lady that I longed for." Godai sits, unmoving, as Ichinose drinks. "I suppose she's what people call a jewel in a dunghill." (1) (The screen slowly warps to Ichinose's younger days.) "After managing to graduate from college, I entered this really tiny company, and there she was." Ichinose busily works on his abacus as a woman places a cup onto Ichinose's desk. Ichinose dips his head down in thanks, unable to voice his gratitude. He stares at her, and when she turns around and walks in front of him, smiling, he shakes his head from side to side and goes back to his work. (Back to the present.) He looks up. "Just the sight of her was enough to melt my heart. I tried to talk to her by making up some sort of chore and what not." Godai reacts in confusion. "How did I remind him of that?" (In the past.) "One day, there was a party." Everybody is seated and is clapping to the rhythm of the singer. A masked singer in red garb dances in front of the group. The woman sits in front of Ichinose. "I was hoping I could get intimate with her. But then..." The singer lifts her mask. It's a younger Hanae. (2) "Ichinose-san, how about a drinking match with me?" A coworker claps his approval. "Go for it!" "I heard you're a heavy drinker," Hanae says. (Back to the present.) "Hanae-san was one year senior to her." "Hanae-san?" "At least her name is beautiful, isn't it?" (Past.) The coworker says, "But there should be something at stake if you want a match." Hanae says, "Let's see." She turns to him, her girly eyes shining brightly. "If you win, I'll let you marry me." Ichinose stares at her, shocked. Everybody cheers their approval. The coworker yells, "All right, we are all witnesses. Go on till one of you goes down! The drinks are on me." (Present.) "I knew I must not win." Ichinose finishes his drink. "How come you won?" "I asked her about it after we got married. She pretended she had too much to drink." (Past.) Hanae falls to the ground, saying, "I give up, I give up! I'll let you marry me just as I promised." Ichinose waves his hands. (Present.) Godai yells back, "That's a trap!" Ichinose says, "That was her way of proposing to me." To the chef, he says, "Excuse me, can I have a drink?" He holds his glass out steady as the man pours it. He continues. "And I was weak willed, so I ended up... You know." Godai ponders on the thought. Ichinose finishes the drink quickly. "But, now, I'm glad I married her." Godai smiles slightly at Ichinose. Resting his chin on his palm, he asks unbelievingly, "Is that so?" "Yes," he replies. They step out of the stand. Souichiro greets the two men. Walking home, Ichinose carries a doggy bag. Godai asks, "So, what happened to the lady?" Ichinose replies, "I'm sure she's living happily." To himself, Godai says, "A jewel in a dunghill?" He stares up into the sky. [ Standard commercial break. ] Ritsuko picks out a piece of food with her chopsticks. "It's been a while since I've eaten in the kitchen last time." At her left, Kyoko speaks. "You look much better now. I should go back to Ikkoku-kan." Ignoring her words, Ritsuko says to Chigusa, "Oh, yes, remember? When she was in high school?" Chigusa sits across from his wife. Smiling, he says, "That's right. She was in high school, wasn't she? She ate so much peanuts." They continue to eat. Kyoko says, "Come on, I can't leave the apartment unattended for too long." Ritsuko simply states, "The most crucial part of a cold is when one gets over it." "But you're fine." Chigusa interjects heatedly, "She should take a rest for a couple of more days! Let's see." Kyoko simply stares over her cup. Chigusa, seeing her gaze, backs down and changes the subject. "I've eaten the bread and finished the milk." Ritsuko says in a worried voice, "Dad, it's time to go to work!" Chigusa agitatedly brings his watch into view. "That's right!" He steps into his shoes at the foyer and uses a stick to ease his foot in. "I'll leave before the quitting time." He turns to his wife. "See you later." "See you later." She hands him his briefcase. He bends towards her, in a conspiratorially manner. Ritsuko bends to meet him. In a low voice, he says, "Make sure she stays. I want the family to be together for as long as possible. Once she goes back, there's no way of telling when we'll get together again. Don't let her get away. " He hands her the stick. She simply nods. In the kitchen, Kyoko is putting away the dishes. She sees her mother and asks, "What were you talking about?" Ritsuko replies, looking away, "Nothing." Kyoko repeats, "I really need to get back to Ikkoku-kan." She pauses. "I'm the manager. I've got work to do." Ritsuko says in a tired voice, "If there's any trouble, they'll probably phone." She turns to look at her daughter. "Nobody called yet, right? I bet they're doing fine. Kyoko straightens her posture. "But you said for only a couple of days, so I didn't bring enough clothes." She turns the sink faucet on and starts to wash the dishes. Ritsuko bends over to Kyoko's left side. She says, "Go buy them. I'll give you allowance." "No thanks. It's a waste of money." Ritsuko turns the faucet off, interrupting Kyoko's work. She says, "Think of how your dad feels, too." Kyoko turns to face her. Kyoko pours tea for her mother in the living room. Ritsuko sits on the couch. "Neither I nor dad is trying to make you stay because we want you to quit being manager of Ikkoku-kan or withdraw your name from the Otonashi family registry or get married again." She sips her tea and asks, "Have we ever mentioned that?" Kyoko fingers the edges of her apron. "We just want to taste an average, ordinary, peaceful family relation." Kyoko timidly replies, "And you've tasted it for over a week." Ritsuko bangs her cup on the table. She yells, "Do you want to go back that badly?!?!" Ready to fight, Kyoko yells back, "Let me leave in a good mood, will you?!?!" Ritsuko makes a smug face. Kyoko turns her gaze to her lap and calmly continues. "Besides..." "What is it?" Kyoko raises her head after a moment's hesitation and smiles. "I can't sleep too well when I don't sleep on my usual pillow." Ritsuko looks surprised. "Pillow?" Kyoko wipes the spill on the table. "Yeah. The one is Ikkoku-kan." Clapping her hands together, she replies, "I see. It's a pillow. That's it?" She laughs and walks. Kyoko blinks her eyes in surprise. At Ikkoku-kan, the phone rings. "Just a sec!" yells Godai. "Hai, hai, hai..." He picks up the phone and says, "Hello, this's Ikkoku-kan." He waves a mitt in the air, but drops it suddenly. "Oh! Kanrinin-san's mother? Yes? A pillow?" He hunches over phone. Ritsuko smiles, "Yes, Kyoko insisted." From behind her, Kyoko grabs the phone out of her hands. "Wait a minute. Hello? Godai-san?" "Kanrinin-san!" He smiles, but looks around suspiciously. He continues, "It's no problem. I've got time to kill anyway." Kyoko makes a surprised sound. "I'll bring it up right away." "Wait a sec, wait..hello?" Kyoko says, but Godai hangs the phone up. Kentaro grips Godai's foot and tugs. "Where are you going?" "Shut up! I've got important business to do." Kyoko looks at the phone and says, "Now what?" Ritsuko beams. Godai waits in the hall. Ichinose hands him a red pillow at Kyoko's door. Akemi and crouching Yotsuya look at the exchange from the corner. "There you go? Are you sure she just wanted her pillow?" "Yes. Kanrinin-san's mother wanted this." He walks away, clutching the pillow close to his chest. He smiles, but the pillow disappears from his grasp. He looks at his hands, but Yotsuya has it. "I'll deliver it." Balling his hands, Godai yells, "You can't!" "I'm sure you'll sniff or snuggle it and the pillow would stink." Akemi stares from a distance. "You're kidding?!?" Godai makes a grab for the pillow and starts to pull. "No way! I'll give you a cup of ramen!" Yotsuya keeps his grip tight. "I'd like a cutlet dinner set." "I heard you!" Yotsuya lets go and Godai crashes into the door. "Promise?" Godai holds the pillow. To himself, he says, "Now I can see Kyoko-san." He steps out of Ikkoku-kan later, dressed in a suit and tie. He stretches. Yotsuya, Ichinose, and Akemi stare at him through the door's windows. He bows to them and says, "See you later." They open the door just a crack. Ichinose asks, "What's got him?" Akemi says, "Is he going to an omiai or something?" Yotsuya says, "The tailor makes the man with pillow and off he goes to see the princess." Godai walks slowly, fingering his tie. (3) At the door of the Chigusa residence, Godai stands. His finger slowly struggles to press the door chime, but falters. He stares at his finger and waves it. He takes a deep breath and press the chime as he hears a voice. "Hello?" Godai turns to the voice and animatedly panics. It's Chigusa. He points a finger at Godai and asks, "Aren't you...?" Godai bows and laughs nervously. "I'm Godai." "Oh yes. Now I remember." The door to the apartment swings open. Kyoko sticks her head outside and says, "Dad, hello!" "I'm home." Godai turns to Kyoko and says, "Good afternoon." Kyoko looks him over, surprised with his attire. "Godai-san?" Chigusa sits on a couch next to his wife. "I see. He brought Kyoko's pillow, did he?" "Thank you for taking your time," says Ritsuko. "No, not at all." Godai sits across from them. "Now, make yourself at home," Chigusa says. Godai grabs his hair and laughs. Kyoko serves him a drink. "I'm really sorry about that." "It's okay." Kyoko stands up, then sits next to Godai. She asks herself, "But what is he doing in a suit?" She smiles. Godai smiles back, but turns his attention forward as Ritsuko asks him, "You're a student? What year are you in right now?" "I'm Godai. I'll be in the fourth year." "Then, it's time for job hunting." Chigusa asks, "Where do you intend to try out?" "I haven't decided yet." Both Chigusa and Ritsuko raise their eyebrows. In the background, a water toy swings back and forth. To himself, Godai says, "No, I must make it clear." He raises his head and says, "I'm trying to aim for major corporations, though." Chigusa nods and asks, "What's the name of your college?" Godai is slightly taken aback. He gulps. "Come on, don't be so rude." Kyoko intercedes for him. "I'm really sorry, Godai-san." "No, it's okay." Godai says to himself, "Not that it's a school too embarrassing to say out loud." Chigusa bows. "Thank you so much. Now she'll stay a little longer." Kyoko makes a surprised sound. Godai asks, "Oh, really?" but Kyoko waves her hand. Kyoko addresses her father. "No! I said I wanted to go, not just because of my pillow!" Ritsuko cuts in, avoiding the subject. "Young man, do you have a steady?" Godai jerks his head back again. The toy in the background swings rapidly. Godai looks at Kyoko out of the corner of his eye and sees her sip her tea slowly, appearing as if she's almost indifferent to the answer. Godai looks down, composing himself. "No, I don't but... I'm in love with somebody." Kyoko opens her eyes. Ritsuko says, "Oh! Then it's a one side affair, isn't it?" Kyoko sits, cup floating in front of her. Godai stares intently at the table, unable to gaze into their eyes. "What kind of lady is she?" "Mom, don't be so nosy!" Ritsuko raises her hand to shush Kyoko. Godai quietly speaks. "She's got long hair... so gentle. She's two years older than me..." Kyoko's eyes widen in surprise. Godai hits the table lightly and leans forward. He looks at Ritsuko. "...but she's so adorable. Or how should I put it?" "Oh, two years older than you? So is she working?" Ritsuko asks. "Hai." Kyoko places her cup audibly onto its saucer and says, agitatedly, "You should stop it." "Oh, come on, he's still young." She continues. "And what line of work is she in?" "Mom!" "She's ma..." Kyoko stares at Godai, uneasily. Godai clutches his knees. The toy stops swinging and dramatically rests just above a cup of water. A quiet moment passes in which everyone stares at Godai. He sighs. "...She's in managemental work." (4) Both Ritsuko and Chigusa repeat in unison, "Managemental work?" Godai bends down, then stares at Kyoko. Kyoko backs her head away a little, then they both look away. "Godai-kun, from what I can gather from your story... The woman you love is ..." Godai gulps again. Kyoko, looking down, tightens her grip on the serving plate. Chigusa breathes a calculated "hmmmm." The toy continues to defy the law of gravity. Kyoko breaks her nervous silence. She rises. "I'll..." Chigusa continues. Kyoko looks nervously at them, over her shoulder. "The woman he loves is very admirable, isn't she?" Both Kyoko and Godai resume their breathing. The toy falls into the water. Ritsuko says, "Then you better stay put, too." Chigusa nods his affirmation. Godai smiles and strokes his head. "Really? You're right..." Kyoko sits unmoving. The train crosses the bridge. Godai walks alone on the path lining the river, under the passing train. He stops. He stares at the river, holding the empty bag. To himself, he says, "I hope Kyoko-san understood me." The wind starts to ruffle the bag. "I bet she did." Back at the Chigusa residence, Kyoko holds the pillow lightly next to her face and smiles. "What are you doing Kyoko?" Chigusa asks. "She really does like the pillow, doesn't she?" Ritsuko whispers back. "Oh well, it doesn't matter." "Looks like she's going to stay around." Kyoko disengages from the pillow and stares at it. To herself, she says, "Godai-san, don't surprise me. I'm... I'm still not.." She rests her head on the pillow again. She stands in front of the window overlooking the pink-tinged sky. "...but thank you." [ Akemi, Ichinose, and Yotsuya narrates the preview for next episode. ] [ Ending theme: Fantajii (Fantasy), Picasso. ] Notes: ----- CEC's comments: At least, now, things are out in the open! (1) Doesn't he mean "a diamond in the rough?" (My apologies to Disney-haters.) (2) Hanae is Ichinose-san's wife's first name. One of the "party posse" (or "Loon Squad" depending on your school of thought.). My question is have they introduced her first name before this episode? (3) Fingers on the tie knot just like eps 38! (4) Godai almost blows it here. In Japanese, the word he was going to say and the words he actually says start with the same syllable. "ka..." <.5. ==================================================================== @ep49 == Episode 49: == == Mitaka's Training! == == No Love is Achieved if I'm Scared of Dogs == ========================================================================== [ 93.12.25 17:55 copied in a footnote I wrote on 93.07.02 ] = 40 lines Footnotes: ---------- In this episode, when the loon squad take it upon themselves to cure Mitaka of his dogphobia, Akemi starts out by arranging a date with him. For the first step of the crash course she makes him pet a statue of a dog. `Oh, the statue of Hachiko,' he says. And he can't even bring himself to touch it (although it doesn't help that he's got a lot of curious onlookers wondering why this guy is reaching out to touch the statue on the head). So, that place in Shibuya-ku (one of the wards of Tokyo), where Akemi and Mitaka meet is supposedly THE most famous meeting place in Tokyo. There, the statue of Hachiko sits outside the north exit of Shibuya station. The story of Hachi (`ko' was added later on as a term of endearment) is that of extraordinary faithfulness of a dog. Given to a Tokyo University professor in 1923, Hachi followed his master to Shibuya station every morning and met him again in the evening when he would return from the university. Then, in 1925, the professor suddenly died. Nevertheless, Hachi continued to visit the station everyday, waiting for his master until the streets were dark and empty. It's said that Hachi could be found waiting at the station until he died in 1935. Not long afterwards, a statue was dedicated in his honor. Today, Hachiko reminds everyone to wait patiently. [EDAY88] [JALA88] You know, this does have a parallel to Maison Ikkoku (though I'm probably reaching too far this time): Imagine that Souichiro-san is that professor of the story (hey, they're both teachers). He too dies suddenly not long after getting his dog, `Shiro'. And Shiro continues to live at least ten years afterwards (according to my notes, the story of MI lasts for about ten years). Finally, Shiro's name is changed to Souichiro (though this is more drastic than from Hachi to Hachiko). Well, the similarity ends at that. Hmm... this sounds suspicious. Did both dogs have something to do with the cause of death?.... :) oooo$$$$$$$$$$$$oooo oo$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$o oo$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$o o$ $$ o$ o $ oo o$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$o $$ $$ $$o$ oo $ $ "$ o$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$o $$$o$$o$ "$$$$$$o$ o$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$o $$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ """$$$ "$$$""""$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ "$$$ $$$ o$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ "$$$o o$$" $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$o $$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$" "$$$$$$ooooo$$$$o o$$$oooo$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ o$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$"$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$"""""""" """" $$$$ "$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$" o$$$ "$$$o """$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$"$$" $$$ $$$o "$$""$$$$$$"""" o$$$ $$$$o oo o$$$" "$$$$o o$$$$$$o"$$$$o o$$$$ "$$$$$oo ""$$$$o$$$$$o o$$$$"" ""$$$$$oooo "$$$o$$$$$$$$$""" ""$$$$$$$oo $$$$$$$$$$ """"$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$" "$$$"""" **** Special Bulletin! Believe it or not, this Guidebook is shareware. If you think time is money and your time is worth sixty dollars an hour, then it may cost you approximately 2 dollars. In other words, it may take you as few as two minutes to fill in the registration form and e-mail it to me. In return, you get the satisfaction of knowing that you have supported the shareware concept and have given the organizer of this product a brief moment of happiness reading his registration forms. Registration Form for the Maison Ikkoku Guidebook: ------------------------------------------------- line 1) Your Name: line 2) City, Province/State/Prefecture, Country: line 3) line 4) Your Home-Computer Systems line 5) (e.g., Vic-20, Macintosh LC III, Pentium, Cray Y-MP): line 6) line 7) line 8) line 9) Describe how you found out about this Guidebook and line 10) tell me where you got this Guidebook from: line 11) ... line 98) line 99) line 100) Please use the rest of this form for any comments line 101) you have for me: line 102) ... line 998) line 999) There, that's all there is to this registration form; I'm not asking for hard currency because you've already paid sufficiently by using up your time to fill in this form. Can you feel your karma improving? Now, when you login to your network account, e-mail this form to . Please distribute this Guidebook and support shareware. If, after 30 days, you find that this product is not useful, DON'T erase it from your hard drive. :) :: :: :::::::: ::::::::::: :: :::: :: :::::::::::::::: I live ::::::: : :: :::::::::::::::::::: : here --> *:::::::::: : :::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::: :::::::::::::::::::::::: : :::::::::: :: :::::::::::::::::::: : ::::::::: :::: ::::::::::::::: ::::: : :::::::::::::::::::::::: ::: :::::::::::::: ::::::: :: :: ::::::::::::: ::: ::: : ::::: ::::::::::: :: : : :::::::: ::::::: : :: :::::::: :::::: :: ::::::: :::::: : ::: : ::::: :::: : ::::::: :::: :: :::::::: :: :: ::: : : : ***** End of Special Bulletin! .6.> ==================================================================== @ep50 == Episode 50: == == Kyoko in love at first sight?! == == A strange fellow moves into Ikkoku-kan == ========================================================================== [ 94.06.01 Carragher-san contributed a short synopsis ] = 30 lines Brief synopsis of Episodes 50 and 51: ===================================== A new tenant moves into room 3 (this alone should clue in manga-readers that this ep is entirely the work of the anime producers). Kyoko takes an immediate liking to the guy, and older man, mainly because he reminds her of Souichiro, with his bumbling ways and forgetfulness. He also seems to have a fixation about rain, though I couldn't figure out what this was all about. But you can see immediately that Godai and Mitaka aren't too happy about this arrangement. Anyway, a rumor starts circulating (amazingly enough Ikkoku-kan is the last to hear it): Ikkoku-kan is to be razed, and a new apartment or condo complex is to be raised there. Everyone goes wild trying to track down the source. Meanwhile, the one person who could answer the question, Otonashi-ojiisan, is conveniently away in Hong Kong on a business trip. The loon squad isn't too bothered by it, though, that they don't throw parties every night, and Mitsukoshi is immediately invited to all of them. During the first one, Mitaka makes an offhand remark about the old hanten that Mitsukoshi is wearing, saying it was probably handmade by his dead wife. Mitsukoshi agrees, and Yotsuya is actually embarrassed. (This is another clue to the audience that Takahashi didn't write this. It's also one of the things I disliked this pair of episodes.) They finally decide to track down Mitsukoshi's place of work, and find out that he seems to go to a realtor. When confronted by Kyoko, he lies, saying he was only a client. (This is about the middle of ep #51, now.) But he feels bad because the tenants, and especially Kyoko, have been very kind to him, so he leaves and quits his job, which was to scout out places for this company, possible for purchasing. Notes: ------ I can't say more than that, 'cause I don't know enough about the Japanese real estate business. But I wonder if the possibility that a condo will be erected next door could drive down the prices of housing nearby. (Hence, the reason that, presumably, Mitsukoshi was spreading the rumor of Ikkoku-kan's demise. Even so, this ep wasn't really that well thought-out. E.g. what happens when the real owner comes around and says this is all patently untrue? Yet another reason I didn't like this pair of eps.) I think the main reason behind these eps was so that we could have a more distinct picture of Souichiro. Kyoko at one point even says that he looks a lot like her late husband. But you can tell that the animators aren't really writers: the last half of ep #51 was basically filler, as they were standing around a fire outside Ikkoku-kan, thinking aloud. I think they just ran out of ideas at that point. -- Bob Carragher Further Discussion: =================== Clifford Caoile on 94.06.01: Can someone explain ep 50-51, the one where "Mitsukoshi-san" moves in? I did not understand. Also, is his role the same in the manga? Thanks! Jack Dietz replies on 94.06.01: Episodes 50 and 51 are not from the manga, and Mitsukoshi is not a manga character. They are entirely from the minds of the animators, although I think they are an impressive job. Bob Carragher continues on 94.06.01: Well, since I was also in the Cal-Animage Beta audience last night to watch this pair, I'll give it a shot. The answer to the second question, Jack's already provided. Indeed, this ep appears not to have come from any manga chapter(s). <.6. ==================================================================== @ep54 == Episode 54: == == Attack with nudity! == == Seduction plan for Godai! == ========================================================================== [ 93.12.18 16:52 added Melanson's footnote (dated Oct11,93) ] = 8 lines Footnotes: ---------- (x) Harold Melanson: When Yagami is in the locker room putting on cologne, and talking to her friends, she puts the cap back on the cologne bottle and spins it closed by pulling her left index finger toward her--the cap has a LEFT-HAND thread! (I have to watch this again to make sure I'm not crazy.) A genuine anime blooper? Now if this was Wings of Honneamise, I wouldn't blink... ==================================================================== @ep62 == Episode 62: == == Alright! In bath with Kyoko! == == Just two in open bath == ========================================================================== .8.> Comments: --------- "Heart KOR Kimagure! (Sammy)" on Mon, 3 Apr 1995 After watching episode 62 - the end of the long series of episodes, I was disappointed in how it ended. It was like a semi-happy ending. In the end Godai didn't explain that he was lying when he said that he no longer likes Kyoko even after Kyoko cleared up the misunderstanding.. Their relationship has developed really nicely and now BOOM! back to square one! I hated that... do you (the MI fans) think that the episode should have ended with Godai explaining that he was lying and then having Godai and Kyoko growing close together? -> like any misunderstand that has been cleared, your relationship should grow stronger? not go back to square one? If you don't think so, then why did it end like that? Is the reason coming up in the future episodes? I'm sorry if I'm not making sense, but I hope you can make sense of this... --- Jae Hyuk Lee : Regarding Sammy's comment about ep. 62.... I haven't watched that episode yet, but I think it's something that often happens in a long series. The one episode that comes to mind is one of the first 15 eps. where Yusaku is drunk and confesses his love for Kyoko for everyone to hear. At the end of the episode, Kyoko is upset that Yusaku would say such a thing as a joke (Yusaku thought he did a nude dance). This misunderstanding is never resolved, is it? The same kind of thing happened a lot in KOR too. At the end of some episodes, you are saying to yourself, "Huh? How come they didn't resolve such and such issues?" From: Tony Danh Cong Luu Date: Mon, 3 Apr 1995 16:22:21 -0700 (PDT) > After watching episode 62 - the end of the long series of episodes, I was > disappointed in how it ended. Really? I thought this was one of the best episodes. It's probably my favorite since I watched it several times over. =) > It was like a semi-happy ending. In the > end Godai didn't explain that he was lying when he said that he no longer > likes Kyoko even after Kyoko cleared up the misunderstanding.. Heh heh, you think he had the guts? I mean, he did muster up a _little_ confidence, enough to call her "Kyoko-san" instead of "karinin-san", but lost it all too quickly. This is how he ended up asking her for beer instead of saying something romantic ;) > Their > relationship has developed really nicely and now BOOM! back to square > one! I hated that... I've read a description from an autobiography article about Takahashi-san and her work. In it, Godai and Kyoko's relationship was described as "three steps forward and two steps back" I thought that was the perfect description ne? I liked this episode so much because Kyoko _almost_ hugged Godai showing her feelings but then the phone rang. =P And I loved the look on her face when she found out that Godai actually was following her. =) I'd nominate this to be my favorite episode in a poll. Speaking of which, did we ever do such a poll? What are everyone's favorite episodes, characters, garbs, quotes, etc...? That would be fun! From: Tony Danh Cong Luu Date: Mon, 3 Apr 1995 17:14:53 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: MI - Sammy's comment I think that these things don't really need to be resolved to the audience. Since as the story progresses, Kyoko can see what Godai's real feelings are. So it is understood that these situations are resolved. It's things that are left unsaid like this that make the audience more attracted to the story. I mean, if you saw such a situation resolved, then you would say, "Oh, they made up. I guess that's a happy ending." But if it's left unsaid, there's always something lingering in your mind about that series story. This just adds to the overall appeal! From: Jeff D. Williamson Date: Tue, 4 Apr 1995 02:06:13 -0500 (CDT) > I liked this episode so much because Kyoko _almost_ hugged Godai showing > her feelings but then the phone rang. =P And I loved the look on her > face when she found out that Godai actually was following her. =) > I'd nominate this to be my favorite episode in a poll. This is one of those episodes that was changed just enough from the original manga to lose what I consider to be its intent. True, in the TV episode, nothing *does* need to be said; Kyoko realizes that Godai *did* follow her (no matter what he says). The manga, however, originally had some extra nice touches. The number of "near misses" on Godai's "Kyokochase" were many; when you realize HOW CLOSE Godai came on a couple of occasions to catching her, you feel a twinge of sympathy for him. And during that final scene, where they're drinking beer together and looking out at the scenery--that last for hours, spent mostly in silence...and it's only when Kyoko's fingers begin to edge toward Godai's (!) that the telephone rings, and Kyoko, ever the dutiful kanrinin, must rush back to Ikkoku-kan. This is one of my favorite *manga* chapters; the subtlety of the relationship is played up. Please note that it was *Kyoko* who initiated (unconsummated) contact, not Godai. In fact, he showed no signs of moving. His embarrassment at passing out in the hot spring, not to mention not being able to admit his true feelings plainly, paralyze the poor boy. *She's* the one reaching out, as if to say, "I know why you're really here." Those are the little touches which make the series worth it. While not completely destroying the original intent, the anime version glosses over these subtleties. *sigh* There's beautiful storycrafting...and then there's *perfect* storycrafting.... From: "Heart KOR Kimagure! (Sammy)" Date: Tue, 4 Apr 1995 08:41:14 -0700 (PDT) On Tue, 4 Apr 1995 jeff@casbah.acns.nwu.edu wrote: > original manga to lose what I consider to be its intent. True, in the > TV episode, nothing *does* need to be said; Kyoko realizes that Godai > *did* follow her (no matter what he says). The manga, however, > know why you're really here." Those are the little touches which make > the series worth it. The manga is really different then... All I was saying is that this incident goes on for about 5-6 episodes and in the end one would expect a "significant" improvement in their relationship as an End result but instead, it took 10 steps backwards and maybe one step forward... I don't know, I was just expecting their relationship to improve much more than it did. DON'T GET ME WRONG! I love these and all of MI's episodes, but it wasn't how I expected it to end Sammy From: godai@ic.net (B. Shigenaka) Date: Tue, 4 Apr 1995 21:07:35 -0400 (Sammy's comments removed re: ep 62) (Brad returns to his keyboard, frazzled) Sorry guys, I had my thoughts well-organized before typing this when I heard my laundry quarters go flying. I looked over to see my cat pushing the quarters off the end of my bookcase! Turns out Kyoko-chan couldn't keep her paws to herself >:( Anyway, while I searched for the quarters, under chairs and between magazines, I realized that the frustration coursing through my veins was not unlike the frustration I felt while watching that whole thread in MI that Sammy is talking about, albeit much more subdued (I was, after all, watching my favorite show). Man, they crossed paths at an incredibly obnoxious rate! The whole hot springs scene was well worth it, much as finding all my quarters was. But just as frustrating as having a brainless white kitty staring at you while you look for the quarters she plans to knock over again as soon as you are gone, the episode leaves us yet again wondering if any real ground was covered between the two. Godai blew quite a chance! But it was a great time to show that Godai was finally starting to mature, and perhaps his mood that night laid the groundwork for the way he ends up acting in the next batch of episodes. I seem to remember his demeanor to be much more reserved. At least it didn't end with them being married and us wondering what the heck they were going to do for the next 30 or so episodes! ^_^ >I'm sorry if I'm not making sense, but I hope you can make >sense of this... Likewise. ^_^ From: John Jones Date: Mon, 10 Apr 1995 10:12:07 -0600 (CDT) > The same kind of thing happened a lot in KOR too. At the end of some > episodes, you are saying to yourself, "Huh? How come they didn't resolve > such and such issues?" > You're referring to ep.8, which in the manga was "Alcohol Love Call." I don't recall a specific resolution, except for the fact that Mitaka showed up, and the rivalry started. In the manga I think there was a sort-of resolution after Mitaka showed up, but then Kozue appeared, putting things back to square one yet again. (I am at a small disadvantage in not having seen eps.9-12, but I have tried to read the manga.) Even so, each time their relationship seems to break up, they're still growing closer--with each breakdown in communication, Kyoko spends more time worrying about Godai, and Godai tries harder to win her favor again. Of course, things which aren't resolved in the anime sometimes are in the manga. Many of the stories which weren't animated were the bridging stories between one of Godai's big gaffs and the next major event, in which Godai and Kyoko are on speaking terms again, because these stories are just not interesting enough to be animated, even though they serve a major role in the development of the characters. <.8. ==================================================================== @ep70 == Episode 70: == == GOODBYE GRANDMA! == == UENO STATION IS PARTY PANIC == ========================================================================== [ 93.08.06 11:29 - 11:38 translated footnote from Eo ] = 20 lines Footnotes: ---------- .6.> C.H.Yung on 94.08 says: Grandma Yukari's husband is dead. Obon is the festival of death and the dead ones will be back to see their families during Obon according to legend. So Grandma Yukari has to go back to see her husband during Obon, the only time of the year that he is home. Tarigan says: Oh, so that's what she meant when she said that Obon's the only time her husband is home, and that he'll be lonely if she isn't there. Gee, I thought she meant he was actually alive! ^_^; <.6. Obon, the Festival of the Dead, is the most important summer festival. Celebrated from August 13th to 16th, it is a Buddhist festival to honor distant relatives. The traditional belief is that the spirits of the dead return home on those four days. Small fires are made outside to guide the spirits to their families. One part of the festival is the floating of paper lanterns on water. The lanterns symbolize the return of the dead to the underworld. Actually July was the traditional time for the celebration of Obon, but in modern times, the majority of the country celebrates it in August. This is important because almost every company gives holidays for the August Obon, but not the July one. Since the time that the Occidental calendar system was adopted by the Japanese, Obon has been celebrated in August. The middle of that month is sufficiently close to the old lunar date. It's a custom that people working in the cities return home to their families for this holiday. Thus, Obon is not only a pre-harvest holiday and a festival for the dead, but is also a celebration of FURUSATO (one's birthplace and spiritual home). [JANE87] [JALA88] [HAND83] .6.> ==================================================================== @ep81 == Episode 81: == == Devotion of love. == == Asuna never gives up after all == ========================================================================== [ 94.06.08 Dat posted his synopsis in the MIML on June 5 ] = 102 lines Synopsis: --------- A lady from the day-care visited Ikkoku-kan, prompting curiosity among the residents. She wanted to give Godai a sample test for the nursery exam to which Ichinose asked if he was fired from the day-care center. The lady explained that since the center is fully-staffed, Godai really wasn't fired. Godai left the apartment, and Kyoko, in a reserved way, told him to do his best. Title: Devotion of Love; Asuna Never Gives Up. After wishing everyone a good-morning, the cabaret manager announced that Godai is now Chief of the welfare section in addition to his current position. He then states the rules: 1. Always smile and 2. A patron's smile is treasure. While Godai is hustling for customers, Yukari dropped by. Yukari explained she has a class reunion (!) in two weeks and that she wanted to see how Godai is doing. She asked if Godai will be on the nursery staff which Godai replied that was his intention. Yukari told Godai that it was his decision and she'll let it be. She asked everyone to go inside to party, prompting Yotsuya to wryly remark that this is Godai's welcome-back party. Yukari, never short on cash, partied heavily. The cabaret girls even commented she was quite generous and that they loved her (or her money, your pick). A surprised manager, after asking Godai if Yukari was his Grandmother, commented that she seemed quite active and that he admired her. Meanwhile, Godai was playing horsie with the kids. At Ikkoku-kan, Mitaka came by to pick Kyoko up. Kyoko didn't remember what for so Mitaka reminded her of the tennis class. At that point, Godai walked by. After a less-than-friendly greeting, Mitaka commented Kyoko's parents really like him. Godai angrily rebutted that even if her parents like him, that doesn't mean Kyoko will. Mitaka sarcastically asked if Godai was saving money for the wedding. After Godai asked why he should, Mitaka replied her parents would never approve of Godai because he was poor. Mitaka then painted an unflattering, gloomy picture of what Kyoko and Godai's marriage would be like. Kyoko interrupted them by asking what they were talking about. Mitaka told Kyoko to go on ahead and once she was out of hearing distance, told Godai he would win Kyoko's heart before Godai become socially acceptable. Then he discovered to his chagrin that Ichinose and Yukari would also hitch a ride with Kyoko. Godai, talking to himself, remarked that Mitaka was really getting to him and wondered what Mitaka was up to. Yotsuya interrupted him by asking for 1000 yen, saying he was bored. Godai told him he must be joking, only to be told he would settle for 500 yen. Meanwhile, Kyoko's mother arranged a meeting with Mitaka's parents. However, her father absolutely refused to allow Kyoko to get marry again. Mitaka was thinking to himself that since Godai was no longer a factor, he'll get Kyoko for sure. The tennis students then inform him a new member will be joining: Asuna! She told him she was very inexperienced and hope she would not bother him. Mitaka asked her why she is here and told her to step aside so he can talk with her in private. He asked her if she understood that he cannot get marry to her, causing Asuna to faint. Asuna said she did understand but that he also said she was attractive. Back at the court, Ichinose remember Asuna was Mitaka's omiai (arrange marriage). A surprised Kyoko said "She is?" and Yukari said that she didn't know. Yotsuya thought the situation had become very interesting and wondered how it would turn out. Mitaka asked Asuna if her parents knew she signed up for tennis lesson. Asuna answered they did and they approved since it's good to know what a potential husband does for a living. Mitaka excused himself to make a phone call. Asuna and Kyoko finally met face-to-face, prompting everyone to wonder if war would erupt. Asuna thought Kyoko would be enraged if she asked Kyoko to give Mitaka up, but in any event, she would have to say something. Kyoko broke the ice by asking how her dogs were doing. Asuna said they were well and asked Kyoko about Souichiro. A surprised Kyoko said "oh, you remembered?" which Asuna replied "I always remember the names of dogs". Everyone was surpised they actually got along. Mitaka called his uncle with regards to Asuna. The uncle told Mitaka he didn't know Mitaka had already turned her down. Mitaka said he'll visit Asuna's home to straighten out the situation. At the Cabaret, a co-worker,Kasumi, and her kids visited Godai. She said that Taro was attached to Godai and asked Taro he would want Godai to be his dad. A shocked Godai asked if she wasn't already married to which she replied she was looking for a new husband. The manager walked in on their "discussion", prompting Kasumi to ask Godai to take care of Taro and Hanako. The manager asked Godai to recite Rule #3: "In-house affairs are strictly prohibited" and the penalty was job termination. Mitaka showed up at Asuna's house, but found that his own parents were already there, courtesy of his scheming uncle. Mitaka bluntly said he cannot agree to the omiai, causing Asuna to attempt seppuku. Asuna asked Mitaka how he could have done this to her. Mitaka woke up from his daydream and found that nothing had happened. He still hadn't made things clear to Asuna. A speechless Mitaka realized he had been outmaneuvered. Godai learned the omiai was still on, which made him quite happy. Ichinose commented that Mitaka was being set-up. Before leaving to work, Godai told Kyoko he has decided to take the nursery staff examination. Kyoko wished him luck and wondered to herself about Godai being a nursery teacher. The ever sarcastic Yotsuya asked if she know what she's getting into. While at the cabaret, Kasumi cornered Godai and told him he's the only one she can count on. She gave him a letter and told him to read it after work. The letter read: "Dear Chief: Please look after Taro and Hanako. From Kasumi," The manager remarked Kasumi always seemed to be running away with a patron. Godai: "Oh my god..." -- Dat Nguyen <.6. .8.> ==================================================================== @ep82 == Episode 82: == == Perfect Dad! == == Godai-kun's child care story == ========================================================================== This section was largely written by Steven Miale. Air date: Nov 18, 1987 Date of story: ?? 1988 (1) Duration: 3 days (evening of day 1 to evening of day 4) Cast in order of appearance: Godai, Kasumi, Master of the Cabaret, Taro, Hanako, Kyoko, Ichinose, Akemi, Yotsuya, Grandma, two Cabaret girls, Mitaka's parents, Chigusa Ritsuko, Mr. Chigusa. Continuing theme: Godai is working in the cabaret. The final Mitaka-Kyoko arc begins this episode. Highlights: Introduction of Kasumi and her kids. References to: #81 - a flashback showing Kasumi hugging Godai and giving him a note - please take care of my kids! Is referenced by: -- OP: Hidamari ED: Begin the Night [ This episode begins a very frantic arc from 82 to 87, as Mitaka's story is ended. It also makes Godai look like a responsible adult to Kyoko.] Synopsis: --------- The episode begins with the flashback to episode 81 - Godai is receiving the note from a *very* intimate Kasumi. Later, he reads it in the childrens area - and finds out he has to take care of Taro and Hanako. The master notes she has a habit of running away with patrons... There is a party in room 5. Kyoko is enjoying a drink, while the loon squad parties. Kyoko walks outside the room, and hears Souichiro-san barking. She looks out the window, and sees a small child playing with the dog. We see a worried Kyoko, with the loon squad now coming out of room 5, watching her. Kyoko walks outside, sees Godai, along with Taro and Hanako. Kyoko asks whose children they are; Godai gives an ambivalent answer. Taro walks up to Kyoko and pulls a candy box out of his pocket; he reaches in and pulls out some sort of white cube (2) and gives it to Kyoko. Kyoko thanks him. Taro then hugs Kyoko. Hanako starts to cry, and Godai tries to calm her down. The loon squad (and grandma) are standing in the doorway. Yotsuya: Hmm, very energetic children. Akemi: Whose baby is that? Ichinose: Yours? Yotsuya: Illegitimate children, I bet. Akemi: So, both of you managed to keep them covered. Yotsuya: People can do amazing things when they are desperate. Ichinose: After all, he's a man. Godai (yelling): Will you stop that? Hanako begins to cry even louder at the sudden noise. Godai apologizes to her, saying "It's all their fault." The titles are shown. In room 5, Godai is explaining that they belong to one of the hostesses, and that he will be taking care of the kids for the time being. Grandma wonders what will happen if the mother *doesn't* come back. Godai: I will look for her. Yotsuya: Where? Godai: I don't know. Yotsuya: A very unorganized man. Ichinose: If all else fails, he'll be your dad. Taro (to Godai): Dad! Kyoko asks what he is going to do tomorrow. Godai, realizing he has classes to attend, frowns. Kyoko offers to take care of them until he can find their mother. Taro hugs Kyoko's chest. Yotsuya: He's got to be the favorite of kanrinin-san. Ichinose: He's a pretty precocious kid. Kyoko (mad): Stop making distorted interpretations! Later that evening, Godai has put the children to sleep. He is awake, wondering how Kasumi could have left her children behind. Hanako then wakes up, and starts to cry - VERY loudly. Godai takes her outside, and tries to calm her down, with little success. Kyoko appears, and manages to calm Hanako down in her arms (in fact, she falls asleep.) Godai wonders if she is more comfortable in a woman's arms. Then... Kyoko looks into Godai's eyes, Godai into Kyoko's eyes, and... Kyoko: The diaper. Godai: Huh? Kyoko: The diaper is wet. The next morning, Godai is saying goodbye to everyone, thanking Kyoko for helping him out. Kyoko is hanging laundry. He tells Taro to obey everyone, then leaves. Ichinose: I can't believe he keeps on getting into one trouble or another. Kyoko (looking at Haruko's sock): But, that's the way he is. Godai arrives at the cabaret, and asks about Kasumi. Master hasn't seen her, and two of the hostesses mention that she is famous for running away. Now Godai is worried and upset. Master suggests going to Kasumi's apartment, giving him the address. Mitaka's father has the day off due to Company Foundation Day. Mitaka is visiting them, and tells his parents that he wants them to meet someone: Mitaka: I want you to meet a woman. Mom: A woman? Dad: Why is that? Mitaka: I want to marry her. Mom (astonished): Kujo Asuna-san, wasn't it? Dad: We already saw her, remember? Mitaka: It's somebody else! Uncle started that arrangement. Dad: Really? She's a very nice lady. Mitaka: I'm very serious about this. No matter what you say... Even if you're going to say no, will you see her to... Mitaka's parents agree, which astonishes Mitaka. He thinks it was too easy, and regrets not having done this earlier. Mitaka's parents are happy during the entire conversation. Mitaka then phones the Chigusa residence. Kyoko's mother answers, and Mitaka asks her if it would be OK for the parents to meet. Mitaka offers to phone Kyoko, but she notes that Kyoko won't come if she knows that it is a meeting between parents. She offers to call up Kyoko herself, reassuring Mitaka that she will come. They both hang up the phone. Kyoko's mother: That does it. Mitaka: Now that we've come this far... Kyoko's mother: You can't go back now, Kyoko. Both: Fast forward! Later that evening, the loon squad + grandma are peeking into Kyoko's room; Kyoko is asleep, along with the two kids. Akemi: They are like a family. Ichinose: I wonder if they know what they are getting into. Grandma: And Yuhsaku's the same problem. [commercial break] Godai is on a train, recalling an earlier conversation with Kyoko. Godai told her he was going to try Kasumi's apartment, and Kyoko wonders if she will be there (why else would she have asked Godai to take care of the kids?) He remembers the conversation with the cabaret girls. Godai doesn't look happy. After wandering around the neighborhood a bit, he finds Kasumi's apartment building. The apartment is on the second floor; a small tricycle (Taro's) and a bucket of some sort are outside. Godai is ringing the doorbell, and after having pressed it several times and hearing no response, he begins beating on the door, yelling "Kasumi-san, are you there?" After getting no response, he notices some steam coming out a window. He peers in - only to have the door opened and a nozzle of hot water aimed at his face! Kasumi, assuming it is a peeping tom, scolds him - then realizes it is Godai. She asks what he is doing there; Godai asks her to stop spraying him with water. Later, we see Godai in Kasumi's apartment. She has hung up his jacket and shirt. Godai is wearing nothing on his chest, except a towel which he is using to dry himself off with. Kasumi apologizes. Godai then asks Kasumi if she ran off with a patron; Kasumi in turns offers Godai some beer, then comments how beer is great after showers. Godai asks Kasumi to come home with him, so she can pick up her kids. Kasumi walks to a chest of drawers, and reaches in. She hands Godai a change of clothes for the kids, then tells Godai she is leaving for a trip. Kasumi: One week. I only ask for one week. Godai: No, I can't! You call yourself a mother? Kasumi: Then, chief, will you marry me? Godai: Why me? KasumI: Can you? You can't, right? Meanwhile, at Ikkoku-kan, Kyoko, Ichinose, and Grandma are trying to determine why Hanako is crying. Taro, watching this, walks to the phone and starts to dial. Taro: A snow man. A snow man. A duck. (3) Back to Kasumi's apartment. Kasumi has been looking for a father. She needs to get away with the current prospect. Godai tells Kasumi that the children need *her*; Kasumi responds that the children know everything. Kasumi's pager starts to beep, and she dials the number. At Ikkoku-kan, the phone rings in Kyoko's room. Taro tells her the problem, and Kasumi gives some instructions. Kyoko tries them, and Haruko calms down. Kyoko asks to speak to her, and Kasumi thanks her for taking care of her children. She then puts Godai on, who reassures Kyoko that he will bring Kasumi home. Meanwhile, Kasumi sneaks out the door... Godai then takes off in pursuit, still shirtless. He finally runs out to the main street, only to see Kasumi get inside a taxi. Kasumi: Chief, will you lock the door when you leave? Godai: Kasumi-san! Kasumi: I promise I'll come back in a week. Take care of my children. Godai is left to stare as Kasumi drives off into the distance. Everyone on the street, meanwhile, is starting at a shirtless Godai. He sneezes. Later that evening, there is a meeting in Godai's room. Ichinose: And? Godai: I lost them. Ichinose: Now what? Yotsuya: Now that could be a problem. Akemi: How can we party with children around? Godai: You people... what are you worried about? Taro: Let's party! Everyone stares at Taro. Grandma: He's a very cheerful child indeed. Taro looks at Kyoko, and giggles. She giggles as well, and Godai looks reassured. Yotsuya: If that's the case... Ichinose: Sure. Akemi: Taro-kun insisted, so... Grandma: Let's raise hell! Godai looks scared, Kyoko looks worried. The next morning, Godai is leaving again, this time to a bath, since he has the day off. Kyoko tells him to take his time. Godai, Grandma, and Taro walk off. Godai is carrying some bath supplies, and Taro a Godzilla toy. The phone rings, and Kyoko goes in to answer. It is Kyoko's mother. She asks Kyoko to come to her Dad's birthday party - a 3pm dinner at a hotel. Kyoko accepts, and her mother reminds her not to forget. After she hangs up, Kyoko realizes her father's birthday is in September. Kyoko's mother phones up Mitaka, and tells her the meeting has been arranged. Mitaka writes down the information and thanks her. McEnroe comes up to a very happy Mitaka. Later that evening, Taro is sitting on Godai's shoulders, playing with a Godzilla and an Ultraman toy. They are standing outside the bath, when Godai's grandmother comes out. Grandma: He is one tough kid. As they walk home up the hill, Godai and Taro talk: Godai: Taro-kun, don't you feel lonely? Taro: No. Godai: I hope your mother comes back soon. Taro: She promised to a star. Godai: A star? Taro looks up into the sky, to find the star. Kasumi (in flashback): Taro, I swear to that star, I'll come back in a week. Godai: That's Kasumi-san alright. I see. You believe in her. Yeah, you can't lie to a star, can you? Taro: n! Godai: She'll come back. Taro: Oh, it's gone. Godai drops the supplies, as they watch a meteor fly across the horizon. (4) Grandma calls after him, only to see an astonished Godai look in the sky. Grandma: What's wrong with him? A UFO? [ Preview for next episode: Godai, Ichinose, Akemi, Yotsuya, and Kyoko narrate. ] Footnotes: ---------- (1) In the manga, this takes place in June/July. The anime timeline places this later in the year; it depends on how much time takes place between 87 (when Mitaka leaves) and 88 (when Godai "proposes" to Kozue.) (2) What is this? (3) Steven Miale: I guess a snowman is 8, but what is a duck? Glenn Tarigan: This has puzzled me for a long time. How many digits do you need to dial up a pager? (Will 3 digits suffice?) And what does Taro's mnemonic phrase mean? Yutaka: I don't think it means anything, just a way for him to remember the number. As for the number of digits, there may have been more that was omitted. Glenn: Taro said, "daruma, daruma, ahiru." "Snow man" might be a correct translation. More specifically, "Daruma" is actually "Bodhidharma": in this case, a doll portraying Bodhidharma sitting in Zen meditation. A Daruma doll is a roly-poly thing, which more resembles a zero than an eight (if you had to pick a number). Yutaka: I'm not sure on this. Glenn: So what number(s) is "ahiru" supposed to represent? Yutaka: An ahiru is 2, if my memory serves me right. It actually looks more like a swan with its long neck, tho. ^_^ If I remember correctly, "Ahiru no yokonarabi" refers to having 2's straight across your report card (the grading system's 1 - 5, with 5 the highest). (4) Kenny Toh: On a cultural note, I seem to recall someone saying that shooting stars are considered bad luck in Japan. If this is true, then the shooting star in this episode seems to be a portent that Kasumi will not come back - thus Godai's astonishment. Can anyone here confirm or verify this custom? Miscellaneous Comments: ----------------------- Kenny Toh: Just a comment on this episode in general: I can't help feeling that this incident did bring Kyoko and Godai closer together, since they were acting as surrogate parents - especially for Godai, who showed clearly that he could become a good dad ^_^ Steve: Not only that, but I think Kyoko wanted a family even more. Hmm... Hanuko, Haruka... Jeff Williamson: Godai was showing his true colors as a good father long before the Kasumi incident at Cabaret Bunny. (Here's the start of yet another list; feel free to fill in the blanks:) Episode 6: Godai offers to watch Ikuko-chan while Kyoko and Otonashi-sama chat. (* Sure, he had an ulterior motive, but it's a first step. *) Episode 7: Godai begins tutoring Ikuko-chan. (* And it WORKED, too--she got a 92 on her English test! *) Episode 10 (I think): Godai offers to take Kentaro to the beach when he finds out about the unjust homework assignment. (* Establishes that Godai can empathize with children. *) Episode 16: The puppet club. (* A little inconclusive, but it shows that Godai has skill at building "toys", which he puts to much better use later in the series. *) Skip ahead a ways here...I don't have exact episode numbers, either, but... Later in the series: Godai works part-time at Shiinomi Day Care Center. Not only is he shown to be good with the children, playing with them, keeping them interested and entertained, but that hands-on skill becomes useful-- remember Godai with a sack full of toys for the kids, hiding behind Souichiro-san's grave...also, even if he *did* switch the tapes (LABELS, you idiot, LABELS!), his reply intended for "Kyon-Kyon" was well-done. Even later: Cabaret Bunny. ("Buchou-san!") Godai becomes a large-scale babysitter for the bunnies. And he's STILL good with kids. So much so that Bunny Kasumi leaves her two (Taro and Hanuko?) in his charge for a while. (* Two points here. (1) The Kasumi incident, as someone pointed out earlier, brought out the best parental tendencies in both Godai *and* Kyoko. In fact, check out the manga chapter where their combined care brings them closer together...not only a hilarious ending, but evidence that these two are going to make stellar parents. (2) Watch Godai in episode 92, where Kozue visits him at the Cabaret to say goodbye. While taking care of these kids, he's in his element--and even Kozue remarks on that. *) Godai's last, best hope: Full-time staff position at Shiinomi. Right before this, he applies for a full-time job at another center and fails...but not before proving his qualifications by watching the other applicant's son. He's only going to get better at it as time goes on, kids.... That's one of the earliest things I noticed as a theme in MI: Godai's character development strengthened and emphasized the notion that he was going to be a terrific father. (The earlier chapter in the manga notwithstanding, where Kyoko visualizes families with both suitors... ^_^) Everyone's got some skill, and child care is his. ==================================================================== @ep84 == Episode 84: == == 1000% Suspicion. == == Kyoko's Scandal Night. == ========================================================================== [ 94.03.03 10:39 Copied in footnote that I posted in MI ML ] = 17 lines Air Date: Dec 2, 1987 Date of story: Late September/October 1988 Duration: < 1 day (about 9:30pm to sometime the next morning/afternoon.) Cast in order of appearance: Kyoko, Mitaka, Godai, Taro, Hanako, Grandma, Kyoko's father, Ichinose, Akemi, Souichiro-san, Yotsuya, Kasumi. Continuing theme: Godai's last episode as caretaker of the kids. The ending of Mitaka's and Kyoko's relationship. Highlights: References to: #83: Mitaka saying that he had reserved a room for Kyoko. Is referenced by: We first see the flashback to Mitaka's statement at the hotel. Then, we see Godai in front of Ikkoku-kan, still waiting for Kyoko. [ Titles - "Hidamari"] Haruko is sleeping. Taro is tired. Godai is not-so-patiently waiting. He remembers Mitaka's words, and wonders what the point of waiting is. Grandma comes outside, and Godai tries to get Grandma to take care of the kids while he searches for Kyoko. Kyoko's father then drives up, telling them he will be inside talking to Kyoko. When he finds out that she isn't back yet, he becomes very upset (even thouugh it is only half past nine), and runs back to the car to save her. Godai gets in as well, surprising her father. Back at the hotel, Mitaka and Kyoko are still sitting at the table. There is a bottle of wine next to it. Some Chopin is playing in the background. Kyoko is trying to evade Mitaka's advances. Mitaka admits that he is being forceful. When Kyoko asks him if he is kidding, Mitaka holds out the room key - and states that he is trying to open her heart to him as well. They both look out over the harbor. Kyoko is beginning to realize that she has to give him an answer. Mitaka looks at Kyoko, then gets up, asking Kyoko to take a walk with him. Meanwhile, Kyoko's father and Godai are at Mitaka's apartment, ringing the doorbell. There is no answer; Kyoko's father asks where else he might be, and Godai tries to think. Mitaka and Kyoko are walking out of the hotel, when Kyoko says she wants to call the apartment. Mitaka chides her, asking her if she is still a kid; she states she just wants to let everyone know where she is so they won't be worried. Mitaka asks if she is going to call Godai, and Kyoko tries to deny it. The phone is ringing at Ikkoku-kan; Ichinose runs down to get the phone, sake bottle in hand. Kyoko tells her that she won't be able to come home for a while, and Ichinose tells her to enjoy the evening. Kyoko asks if she needs to go home for any reason, and Ichinose says no. Finally, when Mitaka is looking away (but still listening), Kyoko asks where Godai is. Ichinose doesn't know, and asks if she wants to leave a message. Kyoko says no, and hangs up. She wonders where he is, and if he is looking for her. Mitaka is looking at her, leaning on a picture of some sort. Godai and Kyoko's father are at a gas station. [1] Godai is trying to think of places where Mitaka might be; her father is upset, and pulls out a cigarette. After being told that he can't smoke, Godai gets the idea to try out 'suspicious places' - bars or a park with a good view. They jump in the car. Mitaka and Kyoko are in a park, watching the ocean. Mitaka remarks at the nice wind, and asks her if she is cold. Kyoko says no, and asks if he has sobered up. They stare at one another, and Mitaka realizes that he is losing. He asks Kyoko if she is trying to think of a way to say 'no' without hurting him; Kyoko turns away and remains silent. Mitaka tells her that she would hurt him no matter what she did, and Kyoko turns to look in his eyes, with tears in hers. Kyoko: I'm sorry. I really am sorry - it's not something I could just apologize for and end... but I'm sorry for being so evasive... that I had to drag on the relation until this point, but... I just can't... Mitaka reaches out to Kyoko, and they embrace. Mitaka asks her not to cry. Kyoko drops her purse. Mitaka remarks that he wishes he could hold her heart like this as well; Kyoko looks up, then buries her head in his chest again. Kyoko apologizes again. Later, Kyoko is being driven home in a taxi. She is visible sad; she recalls Mitaka telling her that he couldn't bear to take her home. Godai and Kyoko's father are near a fountain, wondering where Kyoko is. Her father is tired and wants to go home. He asks Godai why he is so interested in finding Kyoko. Godai: I know you'd get mad at me, but... I want to marry Kyoko-san. Godai hears nothing. Suspicious, he looks over - and finds Kyoko's father asleep. So much for bravery. [ commercial break ] It is morning at Ikkoku-kan. Kyoko is outside with Souichiro-san, remembering Mitaka's comments about wanting to hold her heart like he was holding her. Godai and her father are now driving home; Godai is trying to calm down her father, who is quite upset that Mitaka and Kyoko spent the night together. He wants to slap her; Godai tries to talk him out of violence. Her father remarks that they couldn't have spent the night together without anything happening; on top of that, she was with a man named Mitaka, so something *must* have happened. Godai, thinking to himself, believes in Kyoko. As they pull up to Ikkoku-kan, they notice Kyoko waiting outside. Her father is very upset, and Godai tries to calm him down. Kyoko apologizes. Her father demands to know if anything happened. Kyoko asks what; her father stammers, and replies that he always had faith in her. He turns to go to his room. She finds out from Godai that they spent the night looking for her. Godai asks when she got back; Kyoko says around 2am. Godai laughs a bit; Kyoko keeps apologizing. Godai says they thought she might have had an accident, and that he isn't bothered. He goes inside, as Kyoko calls after him. Godai trips, but wanders upstairs, laughing goofily. Kyoko notices that Godai really *is* concerned, and asks if he was with her father all night; Godai replies that he was, and that he is an 'interesting man.' Kyoko apologizes to him, and Godai replies that it was OK, asking when she got back. Kyoko says around two, and Godai tries to hide his concern by laughing. Kyoko again apologizes, and Godai replies that they were worried that she was in an accident or something. Kyoko is not convinced, but is still concerned. Godai turns to head upstairs to rest, and Kyoko tries to make sure that Godai isn't bothered. He laughs, unconvincingly. He opens the door to his room, and notices Taro and Hanako sleeping on the floor. Godai, thinking to himself that something could have happened, is quite sad. At the tennis court, Mitaka is practicing alone. He is still in his tie from the previous night. Godai, asleep, is waken up by Yotsuya's foot. He notices the kids are no longer asleep; he goes outside, to see Taro holding Hanako on the steps. Taro had a dream about his mother coming back. Godai tells him that his dream will come true. Godai is still upset at Kasumi, of course. Kyoko then walks outside with a dish of food for Souichiro-san. They trade looks. Kyoko is about to go back inside, but instead sits on the other side of Taro. Both she and Godai look away, as Taro looks at both of them. Kyoko comments on how peaceful it is; Godai says everyone is still asleep from the partying. Taro tries to cheer Godai up by telling him that his mother will be back soon; Godai says he isn't worried about that. Kyoko then tells Taro that she enveys his mother, since he has a lot of faith in her. Godai (embarressed) tells Kyoko that he had faith in her; Kyoko asks if he means that he no longer does. Finally, after a small exchange, Kyoko tells Godai that he went to a hotel with Mitaka-san... Godai looks up. Kyoko looks at Godai, upset. She calms down a bit, and says that they had a few drinks, and that is all. Godai finally turns to look at Kyoko, and says that he always had faith in her. Kyoko is surprised, and asks if he was doubting her. Taro notices his mother still hasn't arrived. They begin to wonder what will happen if she doesn't come back. Taro gives Hanako to Kyoko, and runs inside to use the phone. He (with Godai's help) dial Kasumi's pager. After waiting for a while, Taro begins to cry, then Hanako. They try and reassure the kids, when they suddenly hear a beeping sound and someone climbing down the stairs - Kasumi! She had come in last night and partied with everyone else, then went to sleep. She thanks Kyoko for taking care of her kids. Later, in Godai's room, the kids and Kasumi are saying goodbye. Grandma asks Taro if he was worried, and Taro says he was. Godai takes Taro's position, that he should have been worried because his mother was so late; Kyoko responds that Taro had faith. Everyone, noticing the exchange, becomes silent and stares at Kyoko. Grandma says that Kyoko will have lots of trouble with Godai, and the party resumes, with Godai trying to convince his grandmother that they are just tenant and manager, and that nothing is going on. Kyoko gives a thoughtful look at Godai, and laughs. -- Steven Miale (Mon, 26 Jun 1995) [ Preview: Akemi, Ichinose, Yotsuya, and Kyoko narrate. Godai - duck! ] [1] Glenn Tarigan: Interesting that the gas pumps are hanging from the ceiling. It seems to solve the problem of lack of space. <.8. Footnotes: .5.> ---------- (x) In this episode, Mitaka took Kyoko away to Yokohama. When they went out for a walk, they stopped to talk at a walkway along the bay. The place was Yamashita Park. Yamashita Park is a narrow rectangular strip of wooded area at the edge of the Port of Yokohama. The park was built upon land reclaimed from the debris of the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923. One of the park's features is the Hikawa Maru, which was the first Japanese ship to cross the Pacific to Seattle and Vancouver after World War II. This ship is now berthed permanently in retirement and is open to visitors. Some notable buildings within walking distance to the park are Kanagawa Kenmin Hall, the Hotel Yokohama, Hotel New Grand and the Yokohama Marine Science Museum (by the Marine Tower). Perhaps, Mitaka and Kyoko were in one of those two hotels mentioned. Comments: .8.> -------- From: "Heart KOR Kimagure! (Sammy)" Date: Tue, 25 Apr 1995 10:09:47 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Did Kyoko-san love Mitaka-san? I have been wondering (having lots of deep thoughts lately)... Why did Kyoko wait so long to tell Mitaka-san "sorry" Do you think that she actually loved him (just a tiny bit.....?) and she wasn't sure about this love and so she left it to drag on? or was she (hate to say this but..) selfish. Who doesn't like 2 potential mates? She could pick and choose as a result. When she cried after telling Mitaka-san "no" Why did she cry? Did she cry because she hurted him? If she didn't love him in the first place, she wouldn't have. But she did cry (quite hard I would think) and so the conclusion is she loved him? but not enough? But how was she sure that she didn't love him enough?? Heck, this was Godai's most undependable / unstable point in his life. How was Kyoko so sure that she loved Godai over Mitaka-san..? My basic question is - Did Kyoko EVER love Mitaka-san (more than a friend)? Sammy (feeling sorry Mitaka-san <- remember .. without losers, there can be no winners :))) From: Sam Chung Date: Tue, 25 Apr 1995 11:28:35 -0700 I don't think there is even a question as to whether Kyoko cared for Mitaka. She certainly did... but whenever you put` Kyoko in a situation where she has to decide between Godai and Mitaka... she always chooses Godai... even when Mitaka was pressuring Kyoko to marry him early in the Asuna-san Omiai stage. There was that one night when Kyoko wanted Godai to come home early that night so he could tell herf not to getmarried to Mitaka... She wited all night for Godai (but Sakamoto had dragged him away to some Caberets and so forth) The other thing to note is that Kyoko was really turned off when Mitaka was getting pusshy about marrying him near the end of the series... particularly that one episode where she was suckered into meeting Godai's parents (she hated being set up by her mom). So it's easy to say that Mitaka only made it worse for himself by trying to connive with Kyoko's mom. In the end, Godai was always chosen above Mitaka.. it happens pretty much all throughout the series. From: bc15@midway.uchicago.edu (Yuhsaku Godai [Ronin]) Date: Tue, 25 Apr 1995 14:04:08 -0600 >I have been wondering (having lots of deep thoughts lately)... Why did Kyoko >wait so long to tell Mitaka-san "sorry" >Do you think that she actually loved him (just a tiny bit.....?) and she >wasn't sure about this love and so she left it to drag on? Well she also made Godai wait just as long as well. So I would say that up to this point she hadn't made up her mind yet as to who she would pick. Or drawing upon your previous post, she had already subconciously chosen Godai and just wasn't going to admit it yet. She acted kinda like Godai with Kozue (i.e. she knew she had to end it sometime soon but just couldn't bring herself to doing it). In which case I would say she _cared_ about Mitaka. And that's about it. Loved as a friend but no more. >When she cried after telling Mitaka-san "no" Why did she cry? Did she >cry because she hurted him? If she didn't love him in the first place, >she wouldn't have. But she did cry (quite hard I would think) and so the >conclusion is she loved him? but not enough? But how was she sure that >she didn't love him enough?? Heck, this was Godai's most >undependable / unstable point in his life. How was Kyoko so sure that she >loved Godai over Mitaka-san..? I'd say she cried partly because because she was upset that she dragged it out to the point where she couldn't help but hurt Mitaka and partly because she had hurt Mitaka. And no one likes to hurt friends. Particularly close ones. I firmly believe that there are several shades of love. There's of course the love one has for one's parents and siblings, love for the one you want to spend the rest of your life with, love for your pet, love for your close friends, etc. Mitaka and Kyoko's relationship IMO falls into the love for a close friend. I don't recall ever seeing her do anything for Mitaka that seemed particularly intimate and showed that she was doing it because of something more than friendship. At least in the anime, I haven't read the manga yet. >My basic question is - Did Kyoko EVER loved Mitaka-san (more than a friend)? No. I seriously doubt it. God, I'm gonna have to rewatch the damn series again. Can't remember anything. I used to have an explanation for this answer but I can't remember it. =) But anyway, for now, just read the above paragraph for the reason why. >(feeling sorry Mitaka-san <- remember .. without losers, there can be no >winners :))) I feel sorry for Mitaka-san too. But only because I think he just got majorly screwed with that misunderstanding about the pregnancy thing. At the end he fell victim to a Godai-like misfortune. ;-) Ah the humanity. =) -Ben From: Song Ouk Bang Date: Tue, 25 Apr 1995 13:15:36 -0700 (PDT) On Tue, 25 Apr 1995, Heart KOR Kimagure! (Sammy) wrote: > I have been wondering (having lots of deep thoughts lately)... I used to have these... for weeks and weeks... looking at some scenes in difference perspective... Godai's view... Kyouko's view... so forth. > Why did Kyoko wait so long to tell Mitaka-san "sorry" > Do you think that she actually loved him (just a tiny bit.....?) and she > wasn't sure about this love and so she left it to drag on? > or > was she (hate to say this but..) selfish. Who doesn't like 2 potential > mates? She could pick and choose as a result. I would say, first... in the earlier episodes... she really didn't know who she really wanted. Godai, unreliable... but kind-hearted vs. Mitaka, very reliable... but pushy and womanizer. So she dragged on first... then she realized (eventhough she wouldn't admit it, not even to herself) that she really loves Godai a lot more than Mitaka... but by then, it was too late... she really didn't want to hurt Mitaka... he waited 6(?) years for her, and how can she just go to him and say that she chose Godai? Even at the end, when Mitaka asked her if she chose Godai instead of him a long time ago... she didn't answer it. (Which practically means yes.) > When she cried after telling Mitaka-san "no" Why did she cry? Wait a minute... this was in episode 88? She cried after saying "no"? Hmmmm... I thought the only time she cried was on episode 83 or something... in the hotel lounge... after Mitaka said something like, "How cruel of you..." I could be wrong... > Did she cry because she hurted him? If she didn't love him in the > first place, she wouldn't have. But she did cry (quite hard I would > think) and so the conclusion is she loved him? but not enough? But how > was she sure that she didn't love him enough?? Heck, this was Godai's > most undependable / unstable point in his life. How was Kyoko so sure > that she loved Godai over Mitaka-san..? Oh, she knew she loved Godai over Mitaka. She had it in her heart... I wouldn't exactly say this was Godai's most undependable/unstable point in his life... well, maybe. But that has nothing to do with the love Kyouko has for Godai... it's true she is waiting for Godai to have a reliable job... but if you noticed, Godai was the one who wanted to have a reliable job... so he can propose to Kyouko... not the other way around. Kyouko knew Godai wouldn't propose to her unless he had a dependable job... so even at the time like this... Godai's most unstable point in his life... Kyouko still loved him... no matter what. Wait... I don't think I answered your question on why Kyouko cried. Oops... talking nonsense again. *bonk* ^_^ Anyway, IMHO, she knew Mitaka was exactly right. She was just waiting... thinking of a way to say "no" to him without really hurting him. Here's a great guy... standing in front of her... ready to do anything she would ask him to do... and only thing she's thinking of doing is how to say "no" to him... only thing she could say was "sorry"... and while she was saying it, tears came out from her eyes... thinking how "cruel" she was really to him. > My basic question is - Did Kyoko EVER loved Mitaka-san (more than a friend)? Love is a very strong word. How would you describe... "love"? Did she "love" him as much as Godai? No. But she did have a strong feeling for him... feeling that can even come as close as... "love." Song From: "Tony C. Luu" Date: Tue, 25 Apr 1995 13:20:01 -0700 (PDT) On Tue, 25 Apr 1995, Heart KOR Kimagure! (Sammy) wrote: > I have been wondering (having lots of deep thoughts lately)... Why did Kyoko > wait so long to tell Mitaka-san "sorry" > Do you think that she actually loved him (just a tiny bit.....?) and she > wasn't sure about this love and so she left it to drag on? I don't think there was any point in the story that even hinted at any love for Mitaka (not to sound harsh). But like her sensei said about her, Kyouko is a very one-track minded person and would not easily love someone. She had enough trouble admitting her love for Godai. But being in her position, there were probably several reasons why she didn't tell Mitaka "no" earlier. First off, Godai wasn't a very secure choice so the option of marrying Mitaka was a safeguard earlier on in the series, but as the series progressed, I think she did want to tell Mitaka "no" but he was "too pushy" ^-^ so she didn't get much of a chance. Besides, it's VERY hard to tell someone who loves you that you don't return their love. Anyone would cry in that situation. > (feeling sorry Mitaka-san <- remember .. without losers, there can be no > winners :))) Yea I felt sorry for him too, but his being so forceful on Kyouko and so mean to Godai in that episode lessend my sympathy for him to the point where I said "Yea, he got what he deserved!" ^o^ From: "leon chen" Subject: Re: Did Kyoko-san love Mitaka-san? To: "Yuhsaku Godai [Ronin]" >>I have been wondering (having lots of deep thoughts lately)... Why did Kyoko >>wait so long to tell Mitaka-san "sorry" >>Do you think that she actually loved him (just a tiny bit.....?) and she >>wasn't sure about this love and so she left it to drag on? All right! another deep thought kinda question. > >Well she also made Godai wait just as long as well. So I would say that up >to this point she hadn't made up her mind yet as to who she would pick. Or >drawing upon your previous post, she had already subconciously chosen Godai >and just wasn't going to admit it yet. She acted kinda like Godai with >Kozue (i.e. she knew she had to end it sometime soon but just couldn't >bring herself to doing it). In which case I would say she _cared_ about >Mitaka. And that's about it. Loved as a friend but no more. I would have to disagree a little bit here. She had already *consciously* made up her mind on Godai long before this - after all, if you remember the graveyard scene (where mitaka and Godai are hiding behind the gravestone anime ep. 76, manga wb v.7, ch.9?) where Kyoko answers yes about remarrying ( and is thinking and talking to Souichiro san about Godai at the same time). That, to me, shows quite clearly that by then she had chosen to marry Godai already. I think she had *consciously* made that choice when she went on that trip to the onsen to clear her feelings, and Godai chased after her, and they were in her room...then the phone rang, which extended the series a lot longer. I think she saw mitaka as another suitor (she's not blind), but that when it came down to her feelings, she loved Godai and only felt friendship towards Mitaka. > >>When she cried after telling Mitaka-san "no" Why did she cry? Did she >>cry because she hurted him? If she didn't love him in the first place, >>she wouldn't have. But she did cry (quite hard I would think) and so the >>conclusion is she loved him? but not enough? But how was she sure that >>she didn't love him enough?? Heck, this was Godai's most >>undependable / unstable point in his life. How was Kyoko so sure that she >>loved Godai over Mitaka-san..? She was sure, because whatever Godai did, she overreacted and she had really strong feelings about him and his actions. As for Mitaka, she didn't really care as much... apathy is the opposite of love, not hate. > >I'd say she cried partly because because she was upset that she dragged it >out to the point where she couldn't help but hurt Mitaka and partly because >she had hurt Mitaka. And no one likes to hurt friends. Particularly close >ones. I firmly believe that there are several shades of love. There's of >course the love one has for one's parents and siblings, love for the one >you want to spend the rest of your life with, love for your pet, love for >your close friends, etc. Mitaka and Kyoko's relationship IMO falls into >the love for a close friend. I don't recall ever seeing her do anything >for Mitaka that seemed particularly intimate and showed that she was doing >it because of something more than friendship. At least in the anime, I >haven't read the manga yet. I think she cried because it was an emotional time for her. After all, not only was she hurting mitaka-san's feelings, she was almost coming to grips with her own feelings and choice. It's a kind of catharsis, because before she was in a comfortable position of having two suitors, but not having to decide or anything like that. When she finally said no to mitaka, she is breaking out of the emotional distance she tried to keep (because she's a widow), and has committed herself to loving Godai-san (yes, i know she already is in love with him, but it's hard for her to really, really admit it.) > >>My basic question is - Did Kyoko EVER loved Mitaka-san (more than a friend)? > >No. I seriously doubt it. God, I'm gonna have to rewatch the damn series >again. Can't remember anything. I used to have an explanation for this >answer but I can't remember it. =) But anyway, for now, just read the >above paragraph for the reason why. I have to agree - i don't think Kyoko ever loved Mitaka san more than a friend. One good reason is because she was in love with Godai long before Mitaka arrived, and it just grew more and more since he lives with her and needs her... Finally, the ultimate reason is because Takahsi Rumiko willed it that way - after all, in a love story, the couple has to be lin love with each other and only each other. While that might not be true in real life, Rumiko is an idealist and puts that in her stories. > >>(feeling sorry Mitaka-san <- remember .. without losers, there can be no >>winners :))) > >I feel sorry for Mitaka-san too. But only because I think he just got >majorly screwed with that misunderstanding about the pregnancy thing. At >the end he fell victim to a Godai-like misfortune. ;-) Ah the humanity. Well, i felt kinda sorry for him too, but then it looks like he has a happy life with Asuna - and if he didn't marry Asuna, then she would be very unhappy. This way, everyone has a happy ending (except maybe for Yagami). leonchen@leland.stanford.edu Leon Chen From: Yuu-chan On Tue, 25 Apr 1995, Heart KOR Kimagure! (Sammy) wrote: > My basic question is - Did Kyoko EVER loved Mitaka-san (more than a friend)? Aaaarrrggh!!! I'm still trying to find the meaning of life and this question pops up! I think she WAS waiting to see who goofs up and then she picks up the better one. She's a clever one... <.8. ==================================================================== @ep89 == Episode 89: == == MUSUbare nu AI! == == GODAI to KYOUKO KYOU de oWAKAre == == or == == Unrequited love! == == Godai and Kyoko, it's over today? == ========================================================================== [ 94.02.17 12:45 added Williamson's synopsis (rec'd today) ] = 361 lines [ 94.03.16 05:17 received updated synopsis from Williamson ] = 522 lines [ 94.03.27 20:07 Moved footnote from Ep.94 into this synopsis ] = 581 lines [ 94.05.16 22:47 added updated synopsis from Jeff (rec'd May14) ] = 583 lines [ This episode falls somewhere in the middle of a rather long arc which "ends" with episode 93. It also marks the beginning of the end of Godai and Kozue's relationship, while laying the foundations for the future strength of Godai's relationship with Kyoko. ] Air Date: 1988.01.13 Date of story: 1987 December (still debatable) Duration: 3 days -- from daytime on Day 1 to EARLY morning on Day 3 Cast in order of appearance: Godai, Kozue, Kyoko, Souichiro (dog), Yotsuya, Akemi, Ichinose Iioka, Master Continuing theme: Since episode 85, Godai has had to study for final exams. Highlights: First kiss between Kyoko and Godai (anime version; in the manga, it happened earlier). References to: #88 - A flashback shows Godai and Kozue's kiss. Is referenced by: #90 - Recap of Kyoko leaving Ikkoku-kan. - Kyoko remembers Kozue's tearful scene at ChaChaMaru. Synopsis: -------- Flashback: Near the train station close to Cabaret Bunny, Godai is seeing Kozue off. She asks him to look at her hands and close his eyes. He does so, and Kozue leans in and kisses him. Godai's eyes fly open in surprise. As the kiss breaks, Godai appears stunned, while Kozue seems a little embarrassed. She thanks him, then dashes off before Godai can compose himself. As he stares after her, the view pans up to include Kyoko, who has witnessed the whole thing from the sidewalk above. A close-up of her face registers her expression of shocked disbelief. [ The episode title fades in over Kyoko's surprised look. Music of "Ashita Hareruka". ] A few days later, at Ikkoku-kan, Kyoko slowly sweeps the front walk. An obviously pensive mood has settled over her, which the loon squad comments upon from their vantage at the second floor window. Yotsuya: Something must have happened. Akemi: Must've. She's been in a bad mood for a couple of days. Ichinose: Oh well, it doesn't matter. Godai-kun's coming back to Ikkoku-kan today. Yotsuya: Oh, he's quitting his tenure at the cabaret? Ichinose: Looks like it. He must be longing for his room. Let's hear the story from him when he gets back. Meanwhile, Godai is making his apologies to Iioka, his boss at Cabaret Bunny, because he had spent so much time there recently. Iioka invites him to stay as long as he likes -- even permanently. Godai respectfully declines, and starts to leave. Iioka hails him with some parting advice: Iioka: I don't care if you hang around with women, but try to keep it to just one, all right? You aren't sharp enough to keep them on a balance. Godai: Ahh... thanks. As he walks back to Ikkoku-kan, Godai mulls over this advice in his mind. ("I'm not trying to put them on a balance... but... Kozue-chan must still be...") Back at Ikkoku-kan, Kyoko is squatting near Souichiro-san, who is heartily enjoying a meal. Godai arrives, and tosses out a smiling "I'm back!" as he walks toward Kyoko. He apologizes for being gone for so long, and Kyoko returns a rather chilly "Welcome back." Godai is taken aback, and muses on the cold reception he's receiving as Kyoko rises and goes inside. That evening, everyone has piled into room #5 for a "welcome back" party for Godai. Ichinose points out that there hasn't been a full- tenant party for quite some time. (1) Akemi encourages Godai to loosen up, and refills his glass. Noting Kyoko's silent demeanor, Ichinose prods Godai for the reason. Godai is genuinely confused, yet the others maintain that Kyoko is obviously mad at him for some reason. They continue to try and wheedle the information out of him. Godai: We aren't fighting, are we? Kyoko: Really. No way we can fight if you don't know the reason for it, Godai-san. As Godai is left even more confused, the phone downstairs rings, and Kyoko slowly stands and leaves to answer it, amidst the silence which has suddenly descended over the party. As the door closes behind her, the loon squad accosts Godai for an explanation. He protests his innocence, then realizes what might be the cause: his earlier kiss with Kozue. As he ponders this possibility, the door opens and Kyoko enters, informing Godai that Kozue is on the phone. The next day, Godai meets Kozue in a local cafe. She apologizes for bothering him, and he reassures her that she's not troubling him, since he's now working nights. After a long, awkward pause, he prompts her for the reason she asked to meet him. She dodges the question for a bit, then announces that someone proposed to her, and that she has to answer him by tonight. Godai is somewhat surprised; he didn't know she was seeing anyone else. He asks if she's made a decision; she admits that she's still uncertain, but since Godai kissed her.... Godai: (*I* kissed *her*?!) Kozue suddenly asks Godai when the results of the graduation exam will be announced. (2) He answers her, and she apologizes for her indecisiveness -- she'll make up her mind and answer both men by then. Godai forestalls her by making his own apologies. After a long pause, he tells her that he wants to propose to a woman after he graduates. Godai: So, don't try to postpone your answer. Kozue: Thank goodness! Godai: Kozue-chan! Kozue: I'll say no to him clearly! You made me cry... I was so uncertain, because you were always so vague. Godai: Umm... Kozue: I didn't know you were thinking of proposing to me. Thank you... I'm so happy.... As Godai tries to recover his wits, Kozue realizes that she's running late for work, and runs out in a hurry. Godai calls after her, and tries to follow her out of the cafe, but a waiter yanks him back to pay the bill. He protests, but stops trying to run after Kozue. A frustrated, powerless Godai walks back to Ikkoku-kan, hanging his head despairingly. He stops and leans on a pillar, wearing a look like he desperately wants to beat his head against a wall. In front of Ikkoku-kan, Kyoko is squatting down and staring at Souichiro-san. Godai comes up the front walk, uttering a world- weary "I'm back." Souichiro-san barks at him, and as he reaches the porch, Kyoko stands up and halts him with her words: Kyoko: I saw you. Why did you kiss her? Answer me, Godai-san. [commercial break] Kyoko repeats her question to a stunned Godai. Kyoko: Can't you even think of an answer? Godai: Will you listen to my story through to the end? Kyoko: Let's hear it. Godai attempts to explain that he was taken by surprise, and that Kozue kissed *him*. Kyoko accuses him of laying the blame on Kozue, then when he protests further, assumes that Godai and Kozue's relationship has progressed to the point where she can kiss him by surprise. Godai becomes indignant. Kyoko: I don't care what your relationship with her is. Godai: What do you mean, you don't care? Kyoko: I've had enough of your excuses! Godai: Wha-- You asked me, didn't you? Kyoko: You like Kozue-san more, don't you? Then why should you care what I think? Godai tries to assure her that he *does* care, then wonders aloud why he has to answer to her accusations. "You sound like my--!" He chokes off his statement, realizing just what it is he's saying. Kyoko replies tartly, "You're right. It's none of my business. You have no relationship whatsoever with me." Godai, apparently fed up, cracks his knuckles loudly and holds a closed fist above Kyoko, who is alarmed at this sudden turn of events. Godai asks her to look into the fist. She asks what he's up to, and he repeats his request, adding, "and close your eyes." She looks, but does not shut her eyes. He asks her again to do so. Still she does not. And he asks a third time. "Why?" demands Kyoko. "So..." Godai begins as he takes a step towards her. She dodges back a step, and Godai begins to realize where he went wrong.... He recalls the earlier exchange with Kozue, where she asked him to close his eyes, and he unwittingly complied. (3) Coming back to reality, a slack expression overtakes his face as his stupidity becomes apparent to him. Kyoko also clues in, and calls him an idiot. Godai's ire is raised, but more at himself than at Kyoko. After a short pause, she looks at him appraisingly, then tells him to close his eyes. Surprised, and catching his breath in anticipation, he abides by her wish. She leans forward, takes his face in her hands.... ...and pinches his cheeks, causing his eyes to fly open in surprise. Kyoko: You thought I was going to kiss you, didn't you? Godai: B-but... (4) She asks him to turn around and stand back to back with her. Wary of another trick, he does so. She then asks him to close his eyes, which he does. Making sure he's not looking, she slips off her shoes, walks around in front of Godai, and kisses him. (5) His eyes open wide in the middle of the kiss. They break apart, and Kyoko wears a slightly embarrassed smile. (6) Telling him, "You really do get tricked easily, don't you?", Kyoko goes back inside. The surprised Godai slowly begins to smile uncontrollably, and as the music swells triumphantly, his exultant cry of "YATTAAAAAAA!!!" resounds through the air. In her room, Kyoko looks into a hand mirror, contemplating what she has just done. "Now," she says to herself, setting the mirror down and resting her head on her arms, "I feel a little better." In room #5, Godai struts back and forth, mentally working out his next move: since Kyoko went far enough to kiss him, it's all up to him now. But the memory of Kozue, saying that she'd decline the other man's proposal, stops him short. He decides to tell her everything tomorrow... then imagines her reaction. Kozue: What?! How can you do this to me? I said no because you proposed to me! Godai: I'm sorry! It's all your misunderstanding! Kozue: How can you do this to me? He attempts to strengthen his resolve, as Yotsuya pops in from the hole to room #4 and offers his counsel to Godai. Godai yells at him not to bother him unless there's a good reason for it. Yotsuya, in fact, has a good reason: he informs Godai of the New Year's party at ChaChaMaru, adding that Kyoko will be attending. (7) Godai decides that he'll get off work early to go. Yotsuya: Oh?! Did you make up with kanrinin-san? Godai: Yeah... in a way. Later that night at ChaChaMaru, the party is in full swing. Kyoko pours a drink for Godai, acting considerably more friendly towards him than before. Yotsuya calls for another bottle, and Akemi echoes the hail. From another table, another customer calls for a bottle, as the harried Master tries to keep up. (8) At Ikkoku-kan's table, the loon squad offer their congratulations to the pair in their own inimitable style: Ichinose (stage whispering): Good thing you two made up. Akemi (lightly): Godai-kun, kanrinin-san's eyes lit up when you came in. Kyoko, embarrassed, attempts to demur. Kyoko: Not really... Yotsuya (to Godai): Now you can stay in Ikkoku-kan a little longer. Ichinose and Akemi press Godai to drink more, so that Kyoko can refill his glass. Outside, Kozue walks slowly towards ChaChaMaru, something obviously weighing heavy on her heart. Inside, Godai has risen to relieve himself, but is accosted by a drunken Ichinose, who asks him to dance. Godai tries to dodge away, but is flanked by Yotsuya, who is obviously in his cups. (9) The two "play" with him despite his fervent protestations. The bell rings as the door to ChaChaMaru opens. Master offers a hearty "Welcome!" as Kozue enters. The party freezes dead in its tracks. Godai walks over to speak with Kozue, asking her what the matter is. She stammers out that she couldn't get up the nerve to tell the other man "no", then bursts into tears and buries her face in Godai's chest. He tries to calm her down, but she wails, "But... Godai-san... you proposed to me!" Everyone's eyes are glued to Godai and Kozue, the former of whom is at a complete loss for words. Kyoko stands up from the table and starts to leave. Godai calls after her, and she turns back and slaps him resoundingly across the face. (10) Kyoko then leaves ChaChaMaru in a huff. Kozue looks up, wondering what just happened. Godai tells her to wait, then runs out of the bar after Kyoko. (11) He chases her up the hill from ChaChaMaru, trying to explain to her that it's all a misunderstanding. To Kyoko, this incident is the last straw: she wants nothing more to do with Godai. Angrily, she demands that he move out of Ikkoku-kan, and Godai refuses. (12) As they argue, Ichinose and Akemi come out, calling after Godai to come comfort the crying Kozue. An indignant Kyoko goads Godai: "Why don't you go? She's crying over you." Promising to explain things to her later, Godai turns to go, thinking to himself that none of this is his fault. Kyoko, storming off, decides on her own plan of action. Early the next morning, Kyoko steps out of Ikkoku-kan with coat on and suitcase in hand. She stops at the doghouse to untie Souichiro- san's leash. Up in his room, the sleeping Godai mumbles in his sleep: "No, I won't move out, kanrinin-san... why should I?" Kyoko and Souichiro-san walk away through the misty morning air. (13) [ Everybody narrates the preview ] Discussion: ----------- Like many of the other final episodes, this one focuses on Kyoko and Godai. After all they've been through so far, it's obvious that they have to come together... but with all the obstacles thrown their way, one wonders how they ever did it. [ Carragher-san: You also get the sense that each obstacle is no worse than previous ones, but they're more difficult to hurdle because Kyoko feels a greater sense of betrayal at each one (even though it's almost always just in her mind). While each has its own comedic element, the series has become quite serious by this point. ] Back to the analysis: Even though most of the other characters show up, the plot of the show conveniently disposes of the other "spotlight" characters one by one (Mitaka and Kozue, for example) until there's nobody left but the primary couple. Compared with some of the earlier episodes, the focus here is very tight. ] Footnotes: ---------- (1) Ichinose calls this a "full-tenant" party, even though Kentaro-kun isn't there. In fact, he's something of a non-entity for most of the latter episodes of the series, only showing up physically in three of the last eight episodes (90, 91, 96), and being mentioned by Kozue-chan (she asked him where to find Godai) in this episode. Maternal neglect, or is he finally fed up with "Ka-chan"'s antics? You be the judge. (2) Kozue's little Daytimer which she pulls out in this scene holds a clue as to the episode's date; please note that it is labelled "'88". Since it is late December (see below), and she is asking about a date at the end of next month, we may be able to assume that the episode occurs in late 1987. This episode is dated in December for two reasons: (1) there's a new year's party at ChaChaMaru. This might be any time during the month, but it will very likely be in December. (2) Godai says that the grad exam results will be announced "at the end of next month". According to the KOR movie, the exam results there were posted in February, so late January does not seem out of the question. (3) The art for Godai's flashback is done SD (super-deformed), or "chan" style. Please refer to the glossary: "chan-style". (4) Godai's tone of voice when he says this is hilarious! That low "d-datte..." always draws a laugh from me. (5) Although she's trying to be quiet, Godai's surprise at the kiss is strange for two reasons: Kyoko wasn't really silent enough not to be noticed, and he should have been expecting something other than a trick -- it's not Kyoko's style to mercilessly tease him. Then again, I can understand his surprise for two reasons: he's not entirely... alert... all of the time, and he did have every reason to assume that she was still angry with him. (6) This scene has a nice parallelism with the kiss with Kozue, right down to the emotional reactions: Godai's stunned surprise and Kyoko's mild embarrassment. (7) Yotsuya is showing a fair amount of consideration for Godai by informing him of the party *without* teasing him about it. Deep down, no matter how much suffering they put Godai through, the loon squad does want to see him get together with Kyoko. Carragher-san: Well, it's more likely that, in their own way, they want to see Godai grow up. While getting married doesn't necessarily imply maturity, in this case it shows that Godai is becoming more responsible (and less of a lech). (8) The other customer requesting more booze is one of the Tokeizaka merchants. (9) Yotsuya is wearing a towel or other red garment on his head, tied under his nose. This seems to be a standard mode of dress for a "hentai" character or venture. Happosai (of _Ranma 1/2_ infamy) sported such headgear during his "panty raids", and more recently, in _Tenchi Muyo_, Tenchi's dad "ties one on", so to speak, when he tries to convince Tenchi to spy on the girls in the other side of the onsen with him. Tarigan-san: It's more general than that: the towel tied on the head is used by people doing something sneaky. For example, a burglar. (10) Note on the anime/manga differences from Robert Carragher-san: The scene/party in which Kyoko smacks Godai occurs not at ChaChaMaru, but back at Ikkoku-kan. (I can picture it quite clearly in my mind: Kozue has run upstairs and is standing outside room 5 clinging to Godai after having just bawled out to him that he proposed to her. Meanwhile, just atop the steps is Kyoko, who obviously heard her. The loon squad are standing behind Godai. She walks up, swings, and hits a line drive. B-) (11) Tarigan-san on Kyoko's behavior: I want to comment that Kyoko was awfully quick to change her mind. What a temper she has! Only a minute before she was all over Godai. Must have been a superficial affection in the first place. Or maybe it's that she doesn't trust Godai. Carragher-san interjects: I think you hit the nail on the head. One could suppose that Kyoko's first true love broke her complete trust in him, and that she's been very reluctant to place herself in a similar, vulnerable position again. (Yes, I know Souichiro *died*, but emotions aren't supposed to be logical.) Tarigan-san: You know, what I had said might have skirted around that idea, but it didn't really occur to me. Good thing you brought it out in the open. Once again, I'm impressed at being shown this kind of internal consistency in Maison Ikkoku. It's more than I expected (which is to say that I didn't expect that much at all [I must have a low opinion of Takahashi-san, I guess {MI is the only one of Rumiko's stories that I've ever really liked } ] ). I'm impressed, because all this fits in nicely with the proposal scene in episode 94 when... ---- begin excerpt ---- Godai, carrying a sleeping Mr.Chigusa on his back: No... He's just worried about you... To your father, you're still a little girl, aren't you? Kyoko, walking a short distance in front: Kyoko-chan... eh? Godai: But to me... you're the only woman... [ He looks up towards her back. ] Please, will you marry me? Kyoko stops walking but doesn't turn around. The wind blows through her hair, and for a moment, everything is still... Godai waits, then steps forward. Godai: I promise... I won't do anything to make you cry. So, please, spend the rest of your life with me... Kyoko turns to look at him: Will you promise me one thing, then? Godai: Yes. Kyoko: Please, even if by just one day more, live longer than me... Because... I don't think I could continue on by myself... ---- end excerpt ---- Oh my, that always makes me teary-eyed. Gordon-san: This scene is pretty good in that it displays an otherwise emotional output from the young lady and it does show that true romantic side of her that I hadn't seen. Carragher-san: As Glenn notes later, Godai has vascillated many times. Often he shows how much he cares for her, only to seem UNcaring later. How *can* you trust someone like that? At least Mitaka openly declares his feelings for her, *every time* he can. But yes, her temper is rather ... nasty. The return of Tarigan-san: Actually, the theme of "trust" is a long running one throughout the series. You can go all the way back to episode 7 in which Kyoko was worried for Ikuko, because she didn't trust Godai's self-control (he was off to the Otonashi house for private tutoring). In answer to Akemi's and Ichinose's queries, Kyoko said, "But that man looks so unreliable..." Meanwhile, (in that episode) Godai has been telling Kyoko, "TRUST ME." In contrast, Godai, seeing a photo of Kyoko in Ikuko's album, noticed that "smile of total faith in her husband"; with no trace of worry. "I've never seen her smile like that before..." In episode 34, when Baachan visited Ikkoku-kan, she stopped over by Kyoko's room for tea. One line was, "Kanrinin-san, don't you think Yuhsaku looks rather unreliable." Kyoko replied, "Isn't he? Ah, er, I mean..." Then you can leap ahead to episode 92, when Godai and Kyoko tried to sort things out after their huge fight at ChaChaMaru. One of Kyoko's lines was, "(Sure, I'm suspicious. I can't help it... We don't have anything strong between us...)" Godai was so incompetent with relationships that he kept Kyoko doubting whether or not he was serious about her. If Godai is bad at relationships, I'd say Kyoko isn't that much better. Aren't they both pursuing only their second-ever loves? Although, maybe Kyoko can be forgiven for finding it tough; she's taken a long time to get over the loss of Souichiro-san. Then again, we find out that Godai took even longer to get past Souichiro. Or did he? More likely, the affect (darn it, is the proper word "affect" or "effect"?) on both of them ebbs and flows at different times. It really took until the final episode for them both to let Souichiro rest in peace. Carragher-san, again: I don't know about Godai pursuing his "second-ever" love, since I never read/heard mention of such. In some sense, Kyoko is not much more mature than she was when she met Souichiro-san. After all, he was her first love, so she never really had a chance to experience different relation- ships. So she's still just a high-schooler, emotionally. The synopsizer interjects: Godai's first love apparently two-timed him, which he found out on one of his infamous "rainy days" (episode 17). Even though he boasts to Ikuko that the girls were "falling all over" him in high school, you wonder just how much real experience he's had with women. Face it, he began the series rather inept in affairs of the heart, and it took forever for him to come close to sorting it out. Tarigan-san concludes: Funny how long it took before they finally kissed--four years. As for Godai and Kyoko's kiss, it reminded me of Kyoko's essential passiveness. Ironically, despite making the move on Godai in that situation, it seems to be the exception that proves the rule. It was only because her hand was forced (you could say her lips were forced in this case :) that she finally acted. Without external forces, such as Mitaka, Yagami and Kozue, pushing her towards Godai, I think nothing would have happened--at least, not for a few more *years*. Kyoko's running away from Ikkoku-kan also brings to mind a less serious, but similar situation in episode 49. Godai had told her he'd stopped having any feelings for her. So she decided to leave for a trip (to sort out her feelings, I suppose). (12) Contrast time: Kyoko's demand to Godai to move out is a remarkable counterpoint to her behavior in episodes 30/31, where she does her level best to get Godai to move *back* into Ikkoku-kan. The situations are wildly different, of course, except that they were both sparked by nasty misunderstandings. Carragher-san: Beware: soliloquy on "Why I Hate Kyoko," coming up. One of the greatest sources of angst (and humor) throughout the series is Kyoko's habit of overreacting to slights, both real and imagined. This episode demonstrates it to the hilt. BUT, I, for one, would find it a great trial trying to deal with such a woman. Sometimes you don't even know *why* you're rooming with Souichiro, and you have to hope for providence to get you out! Probably that's the greatest strike I have against her: that she cannot find it in her heart to trust Godai enough. In this episode, it takes several days for her to calm down enough just to listen to him, and then he has to demonstrate his gullibility to her for her to begin to believe he might not have instigated the kiss with Kozue. (Doesn't she know by now how gullible he is?) This was just one of many times during the series I found myself thinking, "Godai's an idiot for putting up with this!" (I know *why* he does, and I might too, but I probably would have a far lower threshold for lashing out than Godai. The fact that it takes almost the entire series for him to get angry enough to nearly slap her is amazing. The only other time I can remember him reacting to her in a similar way was after Kozue had given him a sweater, and she nearly fell off the roof after arguing with him over it.) I guess this is a big clue to the reader/watcher that Kyoko has not forgotten Souichiro-san. I think she would trust and believe almost anything he said, and would not be so quick to judge him. I often wonder if, after they marry, whether she would treat Godai in the same way, but I get the feeling she wouldn't. (13) Brilliant ending scene. The BGM here really sets the mood: very furtive and mysterious. The animated "haze" effect of the early morning air is well-suited here, too. -- Jeff Williamson <.5. .5.> ==================================================================== @ep90 == Episode 90: == == KYOUKO-san INTAI! == == IKKOKU-KAN wa TOUi OMOi DE? == == or == == Kyoko-san quitting! == == Ikkoku-kan's memory far away? == ========================================================================== [ 94.03.01 07:13 Added Jeff's synopsis (rec'd Feb28) ] = 393 lines [ 94.03.17 07:48 Received an update from Jeff ] = 407 lines [ 94.05.16 23:00 Added an update from Jeff on May 14 ] = 420 lines [ This episode continues the long arc which ends in episode 93. See the synopsis for episode 89 for details. ] Air Date: 1988.01.20 Date of story: 1987 December (still debatable) Duration: 6 days -- from daytime on Day 1 to the afternoon of Day 6 Cast in order of appearance: Kyoko, Souichiro (dog), Godai, Ichinose, Akemi, Yotsuya Ritsuko, Master, Kyoko-no-Otousan, Kentaro, Otonashi-san References to: #89 - Recap of Kyoko leaving Ikkoku-kan. - Kyoko remembers Kozue's tearful scene at ChaChaMaru. Is referenced by: #91 - Kyoko is angry with her father for telling Otonashi-san that she was quitting. - Kyoko remembers talking with Otonashi-san about the new manager. Synopsis: -------- Recap of the end of the previous episode: Kyoko, packed and ready to go, unties Souichiro-san's leash, and drags him along with her. Meanwhile, a sleeping Godai talks in his sleep: "No, I won't move out, kanrinin-san...." Kyoko and Souichiro-san walk down the hill, away from Ikkoku-kan and Godai. [ The episode title fades in over the travellers' backs. Music of "???". ] Later that same day, Godai and the loon squad are gathered in room #5. Godai can't believe that Kyoko has left, and the others blame him for her departure. Yotsuya points out that Souichiro-san is also gone, so this is obviously not just some short trip. (1) Akemi voices her opinion of the situation: "She probably couldn't stand it... I mean, the man she thought she had well in hand proposed to another woman." Godai vehemently denies the accusation, and Ichinose presses him for the real story. He begins the long process of explaining the situation. Birds frolic in the sunshine, as upstairs, Godai is winding up his tale. He looks to the others for some sign of comprehension, and finds that none of them seem to be paying attention. Ichinose sighs, then tells him to go get Kyoko back. As he scrambles out of Ikkoku- kan, she issues an ultimatum: Ichinose: We won't let you set foot inside Ikkoku-kan unless you bring back kanrinin-san! Akemi conjectures. Akemi: He must've relaxed now that Mitaka-san dropped out. Ichinose: Are they really thinking of living together? (2) At Kyoko's parents' home, Kyoko's mother cleans house, while Kyoko is curled up on the floor, looking withdrawn. Ritsuko complains to her daughter, particularly that she brought the filthy dog with her. Kyoko tells her mother to go easier on Souichiro-san; after all, "he'll be a member of the family for a while." Ritsuko looks surprised, and presses Kyoko for more details about her leaving Ikkoku-kan. Kyoko's noncommittal responses (3) prompt an angry lecture from Ritsuko: Ritsuko: That's why I told you to marry Mitaka-san quickly. First of all, there's no way any man would marry a selfish woman like you, with no special skills or academic background, until hell freezes over. (4) Kyoko: How can you talk to your own daughter like that? Ritsuko: Do omiai. Kyoko: Don't jump to conclusions! Ritsuko: I'm thinking of your best interests. Kyoko: I'm not going to get married! Ritsuko: There she goes again... Kyoko seethes in the aftermath of their heated exchange. Remembering Kozue's tearful conversation with Godai at ChaChaMaru, she indignantly discards Godai as an unsuitable marriage partner. Ritsuko intrudes upon her thoughts abruptly: Ritsuko: You've been too slow, that's why you got dropped. Kyoko: Excuse me, I dumped that bum! Ritsuko: What are you talking about? Mitaka-san clearly said... (5) Kyoko: Who are you talking about? Ritsuko: Who am *I* talking about? Who are *you* talking about? Did you have someone else in mind? Kyoko: Huh? Ritsuko: You've got someone, right? Kyoko, if you've got someone... Saved by the bell! Ritsuko stands and goes to answer the door, as Kyoko lets out her held breath. It's Godai, whom Ritsuko recognizes as a tenant of Ikkoku-kan, but can't put a name with the face. (6) He introduces himself, then asks to see Kyoko. Ritsuko goes to retrieve her, and is surprised to see her hiding behind the doorway. Kyoko asks her mother to tell Godai to leave. Ritsuko reluctantly returns to the door, and tells Godai that Kyoko is sick. He seemingly understands, then excuses himself, clears his throat, and yells: Godai: KYOKO-SAN! WOULD YOU PLEASE LISTEN? IT'S ALL A MISUNDERSTANDING! I NEVER PROPOSED TO HER! SHE MISINTERPRETED--! A pillow smacks him in the face, and he looks up to see a furious Kyoko, breathing heavily at the confrontation, barely containing her anger. She chases Godai out of the apartment, slamming the door behind him, and waits to hear his footsteps receding. Ritsuko: Kyoko, is he the man you...? Kyoko: You have to be kidding. He's an irresponsible dullard. Ritsuko: What was his name again? Kyoko: His name's Godai! Can't you remember that? (7) Ritsuko files that fact into her memory as Kyoko storms off to her room. Outside, Godai decides to give Kyoko more time to cool down. The loon squad has gathered at ChaChaMaru to discuss Kyoko's sudden departure. Akemi notes that this is simply out of character for her. Master hails Akemi from the bar, asking that she get back to work, and is told to be quiet by the impertinent redhead. A customer asks for his order, and Master turns to take care of it, flashing an angry glare at Akemi. Ichinose and Yotsuya count the benefits of being manager-less: more partying and no rent! They decide to keep a close eye on the couple in the days to come. That evening, Kyoko's father returns home from work. He's pleased that Kyoko has decided to stay, and rushes in to greet her. As the family munches on the appetizer (8) which he brought home, he lets Kyoko know that she's welcome to stay as long as she wants--there's no financial concern. Ritsuko criticizes her daughter's behavior (quitting her job, refusing to remarry), then asks Kyoko about the young man who visited earlier. Otousan: Who's he? I don't know him! Ritsuko: Oh, Ikkoku-kan's-- Kyoko: Dad, you've met him lots of times, right? Otousan: Met him? What kind of man is he? Ritsuko: Really. What's his job? Age? Academic record? Character? (9) Kyoko becomes fed up with the interrogation, and storms off to bed. Her father prods Ritsuko for more information about their visitor, and Ritsuko speculates that perhaps Godai is courting Kyoko. Kyoko's father rages against the absent Godai, threatening ejection from the apartment if he shows up again. In her room, Kyoko is changing into nightclothes. Overhearing the yelling from the living room, she sighs in frustration at the meddling of her parents. (10) Wondering why she's always being pushed towards remarriage, she asks Souichiro-san (the dog) for his opinion of Godai (11), whom she has already deemed "the worst". When the dog, preferring sleep, fails to answer her, she falls back into bed in exasperation, making up her mind that she won't return to Ikkoku-kan, "even if he comes a hundred times!" Godai, meanwhile, has returned to Ikkoku-kan after his workshift at the Cabaret. (12) He tries to open the front door, but finds it locked. Remembering Ichinose's earlier threat, he looks inside to find the loon squad amidst empty bottles and cans, sprawled and snoring. He pounds on the door and yells to get their attention, but to no avail. Checking around back, he peers through the glass doors into Kyoko's room, then realizes that she wouldn't have returned yet. He knocks on the window to room #1, rousing a sleeping Kentaro. Cursing the others for locking him out, he starts to climb the railing to crawl inside. Kentaro tries to warn him, but with a groan of twisted metal, the railing pulls free, and both it and Godai tumble to the ground. The loon squad is awakened by the commotion, and goes into room #1 to investigate. (13) They chide Godai for not simply asking to be let in, then admit that they were probably too asleep to take notice of his pounding. Ichinose is willing to be forgiving: "Why don't you get inside for the night?" As Godai rises and dusts himself off, she drops a toolbox on the ground near him. "After you fix the railing." [commercial break] Once again, Godai visits Kyoko's parents' home. Ritsuko calls for Kyoko, but gets no response. She apologizes, telling Godai that Kyoko still seems angry. He excuses himself and leaves, saying goodbye to Souichiro-dog, as well. Ritsuko walks into the living room and criticizes Kyoko, who is curled up on the couch, for not giving Godai a chance--it *is* the 5th day, after all. Kyoko leaves the room to escape her mother's badgering, and walks out to the balcony to watch Godai's departure. Although still angry with him, she shows her first twinge of concern: ("I wonder how long he'll last.") That evening, Kyoko's father visits Otonashi-san. He explains that Kyoko wants to quit as manager. Otonashi-san is surprised--even more so when informed that Kyoko is at home, and has no desire to return to Ikkoku-kan. Her father echoes Otonashi-san's regrets, then promises to come back with Kyoko on another day. The loon squad, meanwhile, surveys the carnage that they have wrought on Ikkoku-kan, wondering how things can pile up so fast, with kanrinin-san only gone 5 days. They take their hardship well, however, continuing to party against the crisis. Kyoko's father returns late, passing off the time spent visiting Otonashi-san as overtime. Otousan: Anyway, is that what's-his-name still coming here? Ritsuko: Godai-san? Yes, every day. Something must have happened with him. Otousan: What's with that happy face? How dare he buzz around my daughter? Kyoko's annoyed too, isn't she? Ritsuko: Do you think so? But then, she's always around when Godai-san drops by. She must be waiting for him. Kyoko's father's ire is raised, and again he rails verbally against Godai. In the bathroom, Kyoko, who is towelling off after a shower, overhears the exchange, and is again annoyed with her parents for butting in. She remembers Godai from the first day, trying to explain his innocence. "He'll never get me," she muses, then looks into the mirror. "Should I listen to him tomorrow?" Day 6: Ikkoku-kan has now become indistinguishable from some of the finer garbage dumps, with stacks of trash piled several feet high. Ichinose: It's only a matter of time before it reaches the ceiling. Yotsuya: Humans are built interestingly. We can adapt very easily to our environment. Akemi: "There's no place like home." Godai-kun! Why don't you stop wasting your time and have a drink? But Godai, who is making an effort to stem the tide of refuse, is not in a drinking mood. Godai: Will you people help me a little? Who made all this mess? Akemi: It's your own fault. Go get kanrinin-san. Ichinose: You're so useless. You've been going there for five days already and can't even convince her to come back! The door opens, and Otonashi-san greets everyone. Akemi and Ichinose express surprise, and Yotsuya, sweat beads forming on the back of his head, claims bankruptcy, thinking the landlord is here to collect rent. Otonashi-san surveys the "blast zone": "This is... worse than I imagined." Everyone gathers in room #5 to hear Otonashi-san's news. His idea to install a new manager is met with some shock and confusion, yet he maintains that Ikkoku-kan will become uninhabitable without a manager. Akemi is perplexed: Kyoko's only run away for a while, not quit. Otonashi-san admits that he didn't hear anything from Kyoko directly, only from her father. Ichinose: Right? No way she'd quit. Otonashi: I wonder if there's some reason for it. Ichinose (looking at Godai): Sort of. But, it's really inconvenient without her. We don't know when she's coming back. Yotsuya: This place does have a certain elegance when it's cleaned up. Godai: What kind of elegance? Yotsuya hits upon the idea of hiring a temporary manager. And he has the perfect person for the job: "He's money-pinched. He works nights at a cabaret, yet does nothing during the day." Ichinose and Akemi figure it out, followed by Otonashi-san, and all look to Godai, who feebly protests his being drafted. (14) Later that same day, Kyoko wonders why Godai is late for his daily ritual of trying to persuade her back. The doorbell rings, and Ritsuko goes to answer it. Kyoko decides that she'll hear Godai's story today. Shortly, Ritsuko returns, saying that she chased that stubborn man out. Kyoko angrily demands an explanation, and Ritsuko says it was a newspaper subscription vendor. She then asks if her daughter is now more inclined to listen to Godai, and is met with a typical contrary response. The phone rings, and Kyoko goes to answer it. It's Otonashi-san, who expresses his regrets that she's quitting the manager's job. Kyoko: What do you mean? I never said... Otonashi: But then, why are you at home? Kyoko: That's because... my mother is sick, and... Ritsuko: Whose mother is sick? Kyoko: Be quiet!! I'm on a very important phone call! Otonashi-san hold the phone away from his ear as Kyoko and Ritsuko's yelling blares over the speaker. Kyoko abruptly realizes that he's still on the line, and apologizes. He tells her not to push herself: "Actually, I'm grateful that you endured the job this long. (15) I've hired a new manager anyway. He's still just a temporary, though." Kyoko is stunned speechless, attempting to digest this bombshell. Otonashi-san tells her not to worry about Ikkoku-kan, and she says her goodbyes, still in a daze. Continuing to grip the handset after hanging up, she wonders, "Then... where am I supposed to go back to?" Meanwhile, the temporary manager is realizing just how much time this job takes. As Godai scrubs the floor in the main hallway, the loon squad praises his work--especially since they can start partying again. As they begin their revels, Godai yells at them not to party in the hallway, but they halt him by offering a toast to his placement as Ikkoku-kan's manager. Godai begins to lose his temper again, when Kentaro asks him when kanrinin-san is coming back. Ichinose tells him to go get her, but first, the tenants have a few simple requests: Akemi: Will you fix the leaky roof above my room? Yotsuya: The washroom upstairs is out of toilet paper. Ichinose: Oh, and can't you do something about the veranda upstairs? As the loon squad remarks on the benefits of having a manager, Godai grits his teeth and mentally promises to visit Kyoko the next day. (16) [ Everybody narrates the preview. "RABU HOTERU?!?" ] Discussion: ----------- More than anything, this is a "bridging" episode, showing the viewer what events are taking place while we wait for the next major significant happening. It also is a decent character study of Kyoko, and gives Godai the chance to mature a little bit more. Most impressive, however, is the development of Chigusa Ritsuko, Kyoko's mother. Before, she tended to come across as an overbearing shrew. Here, we get some idea of her motivations -- she's not looking to marry Kyoko off to the richest, most handsome guy to come along; she just wants her daughter to get over her widow's grief and be happy again. Most importantly, she wants her daughter to mature, and take responsibility for her actions. Footnotes: ---------- (1) Kyoko did *not* take Souichiro-san with her when she went on her trip after being "dumped" by both Godai and Mitaka (episode 61). Of course, she was planning on returning, but it was still a rather abrupt abandonment of the dog she sometimes treated as a husband-substitute. (2) Tarigan-san: Notice that in the background Yotsuya is happily slurping up the cup-ramen that Godai was about to eat. (3) Kyoko's answers are slow and reluctant -- very much like a child who has run home to mother. Upset by Godai's seeming betrayal, she has "regressed" into a petulant, childlike shell. She's obviously not completely matured yet, since she couldn't think of any other way to deal with her problems than to run back home to her parents. (4) Harsh but true. Kyoko married Souichiro right out of high school, and thus does not have the benefit of a college education. Skills? Well, nepotism landed her the job as kanrinin of Ikkoku-kan, though by now she's had lots of practice at it. Her primary appeal as a life-love is in her beauty (both internal and external) and single-minded devotion to her partner -- once she's been won over. (5) Freedom of disinformation -- Mitaka obviously didn't give Ritsuko the whole truth about the end of his relationship with Kyoko. (6) This is nothing new. (7) Kyoko cares enough about Godai to defend trivialities, such as his name. She's angry with him, but not angry enough to completely abandon him. (8) (with help from Tarigan-san): The appetizer which Kyoko's father brings home is takoyaki. See the glossary, and the footnotes for episode 16 for a description. (9) In the earlier episode where Kyoko is "trapped" at home, caring for a sick Ritsuko, and Godai dresses up in a suit to deliver Kyoko's favorite pillow to her (episode 48), Godai undergoes a similar uncomfortable grilling. Tarigan-san: I wonder if the pillow that Kyoko threw at Godai's face was her favorite pillow? It would be a cool irony if it was. (I checked. It isn't.) (10) She's cute when she's angry... that frustrated "Mo...!" is always so endearing to me. ^_^ (11) Kyoko's asking the opinion of the dog, but not as if the dog were the human Souichiro. At this point, she's not thinking of her dead husband -- she's fixated on the live suitor. (12) It's obviously late at night -- my guess is after midnight -- so Godai went from visiting Kyoko in the afternoon straight to work, and then home at the end of his shift. (13) A much less... damaging experience than Godai's previous railing mishap (episode 42). Just more evidence that Ikkoku-kan needs an overhaul -- badly. Please note that Ichinose tells Godai to fix the railing: as kanrinin, it's his responsibility. More important, though, is the evidence of Godai's ability to work with his hands. There is a manga chapter wherein Godai has constructed (with his own hands) some wooden toys for the children at the day care center. I am not sure if this made it into the anime. (The chapter where Godai Claus with his bag of toys hides behind Souichiro's grave while Kyoko visits.) Taking this to a logical conclusion, I think that after Godai and Kyoko are married, and continue to live in Ikkoku-kan, Godai will supplement Kyoko's work as kanrinin by doing repairs, et al. Where is Mr. Ichinose in this scene? The noise should have woken him up, too. (14) Turnabout! Godai gets to see just what it's like to be the manager on a day-to-day basis. This has always been one of my favorite subplots, because it brings Godai full circle as a member of the Ikkoku-kan community. (15) She apparently lasted longer than the old kanrinin (episode 1) -- who left, more or less, because he couldn't deal with the tenants anymore. ("I'm tired...") Tarigan-san: It's also worth emphasizing that Kyoko left Ikkoku-kan for a similar reason as the previous kanrinin. But in her case, she couldn't deal with ONE tenant in particular. (16) He never does get to visit her again, either.... - Jeff Williamson ==================================================================== @ep91 == Episode 91: == == KYOUKO gaku ZEN! == == AKEMI to GODAI wa IGAI na KANKEI?! == == or == == Kyoko shocked! == == Akemi and Godai's unexpected relation! == ========================================================================== [ 94.03.27 17:25 Added Jeff's synopsis (rec'd on 94.03.24) ] = 413 lines [ Continuing the long arc which ends in episode 93. See episode 89's synopsis for more details. ] Air Date: 1988.01.27 Date of story: 1987 December (still debatable) Duration: 3 days -- from morning on Day 1 to daytime on Day 3 Cast in order of appearance: Kyoko-no-Otousan, Kyoko, Ritsuko, Otonashi-san, Godai, Ichinose, Akemi, Yotsuya, Master, Kentaro, hotel clerk, Kozue, Kozue's Friend 1, Kozue's Friend 2, Kozue-no-Okaasan (voice), Souichiro (dog), taxi driver References to: #90 - Kyoko is angry with her father for telling Otonashi-san that she was quitting. - Kyoko remembers talking with Otonashi-san about the new manager. Is referenced by: #92 - Recap of Kozue and Kyoko's conversation. - Kyoko asks Akemi if the rumors are true. - Kyoko and Godai's last spectacular tiff in ChaChaMaru about the "love hotel" incident. Continuing themes: - Kyoko is still in residence at her parents' home. - Godai is still acting as the temporary manager of Ikkoku-kan. Synopsis: -------- The Chigusa family sits together to eat breakfast, but no conversation passes between them. Kyoko's father asks her to pass the salt, but is studiously ignored by his daughter. He starts to repeat his request, but is frightened into submission by a loud clatter of dishes and Kyoko's icy silence. As she calmly continues eating, he peers cautiously at her from over the top of his paper. Ritsuko sees her husband off to work, berating him as he slips on his shoes (1): if he hadn't told Otonashi-san that Kyoko was quitting, she wouldn't be angry with him. Chigusa-san indignantly defends his actions; after all, Kyoko was the one who stopped working for a week. Kyoko busily rinses the breakfast dishes, recalling her conversation with Otonashi-san the day before about the new manager at Ikkoku-kan. She reflects that the other tenants wouldn't easily welcome a new manager, and thinks angrily, "I'm the only one who can handle the job." [ The episode title fades in over Kyoko's busy hands. ] The new manager, meanwhile, has his work cut out for him. As Godai struggles to keep the first floor hallway clean, the loon squad has formed an encampment for continuous partying. He yells at them for not leaving him any time to visit Kyoko. They retaliate by reminding him of Kozue: he hasn't broken up with her, so how does he expect to win Kyoko back? Ichinose and Akemi teasingly suggest that he marry Kozue, since he's got a steady job. He fumes a bit, then yells at them not to party in the hallway. Kyoko makes her way through the Tokeizaka streets, realizing that she can't just drop in at Ikkoku-kan as if nothing had happened. The loon squad has migrated to ChaChaMaru, and are relating the tale of Godai-no-kanrinin to Master, complaining about his bossiness. The door opens, and Akemi begins to greet the newcomer, then stops as she realizes that it's Kyoko. Master welcomes Kyoko in, as former manager and current tenants regard each other with surprise. Akemi begins to criticize her: Akemi: You've got some nerve showing up here after all that mess you left behind. Yotsuya: Now, now, (2) Akemi-san, you shouldn't say things like that. Kanrinin-san is treating us as an apology. Right, kanrinin-san? Kyoko: I never said anything like that! Yotsuya: Touche'! (3) Ichinose confronts Kyoko: "You're not just going to quit, are you?" Kyoko's pensive tone causes Ichinose to bring up Godai and Kozue. Master serves coffee to Kyoko, and Akemi speculates that if Kyoko continues to run away from her problems, she'll lose Godai to Kozue. Kyoko acts as if this doesn't concern her, and Akemi, targeting Kyoko's stubbornness, suggests that she shall seduce Godai. Ichinose and Yotsuya exchange startled whispers as Kyoko tries to conceal her shocked expression. Akemi chides her some more, then adopts a dangerous look and tone: "I'll do it for real." Kyoko feigns indifference, and Akemi repeats her challenge. Kyoko angrily replies and starts to storm out. Akemi reminds her to pay for the coffee. (4) Kyoko slaps down some money, and tells Master tersely to keep the change. As she is leaving, Ichinose asks if she's going to check on Ikkoku-kan's new manager. She replies that she is, and sympathizes with her replacement, "but it will be a while before I can return to that job." She goes, with a final taunt from Akemi following her out the door. Master expresses his confusion at Akemi's sudden interest in Godai: (5) Akemi: Oh, come on, it's just a light joke. Ichinose: But it doesn't sound like a joke if it's coming from you. Akemi: It's all right. I have to threaten her a little, or she'll never return. Such a troublesome woman. Kyoko, meanwhile, is approaching Ikkoku-kan, seething over Akemi's words. ("If he wants to do it, then let him!") she thinks heatedly, then realizes that the willpower-less Godai just might. Fretful now, she walks along the wall near Ikkoku-kan, slowing as she hears the swish of the broom on the front walk. She peers around the corner near the gate, and is surprised to see Godai in apron and headband, sweeping the leaves away. Kentaro comes out and tells Godai that the door lock for the washroom is broken. Godai says he'll fix it, then annoyedly tells Kentaro to stop calling him "kanrinin". Kyoko realizes that Godai is her temporary replacement, and sneaks past the front gate as he goes in to answer the phone, thinking to herself that it was pointless to worry herself (about her job security and home-away-from-home). That evening, a drunk and tired Ichinose and Yotsuya wonder about Akemi's whereabouts. Yotsuya, with a pair of chopsticks tucked between his lower lip and chin (6), remembers Akemi mentioning a date. Ichinose jokingly suggests that the date might be with Godai, then posits that Akemi might actually go through with something she had said as a joke. Godai, meanwhile, is acting as Cabaret Bunny's babysitter, with one infant slung in a papoose on his back. He goes to take a phone call... from Akemi-san, who drunkenly asks him to come get her, and to bring money with him. Godai shouts at her, angry with being bothered at work. Sobbing, she whines, "All right then, I'm gonna die!!" startling Godai into a more altruistic sentiment. Rushing out from work (7), he follows her vague directions, ducking down streets and turning corners until... Godai: (L-love hotel? (8) It's not a mistake, is it? But... what's she doing here?) He goes inside, and is directed to the elevator and room 302 by the night clerk, obviously flustered the whole way. Once in the elevator, he wonders why Akemi called him -- and contemplates the possibility that she's trying to seduce him. (9) He arrives at room 302, and knocks and calls to get Akemi's attention. Hearing no answer, he tries the door, and finds it open. Stepping in, he sees Akemi passed out, sprawled on the bed in a provocative pose, amidst several empty cans and bottles. (10) He shouts at her to wake up, nudging her repeatedly. She rouses into a semi-wakeful state, then circles her arms around his neck and hugs him to her, despite his stuttering protestations. She comes to her senses abruptly, slapping him painfully across the face and hurling accusations: (11) Akemi: What do you think you're doing? What are you doing here? Godai: You called me, remember? Akemi: I called you? Why? Godai: That's what I want to know! Akemi: (after thinking) Oh yeah! Sorry... I drank too much and fell asleep, so the man left. I can't believe I drank this much. Let's go. Meanwhile, in a strange coincidence, Kozue and her two friends are walking through that same neighborhood. (12) They try to convince her that she should marry the financially secure suitor -- obviously not Godai -- but she's unsure: if she *doesn't* marry Godai, what will he do? Her friends are less forgiving: "It doesn't matter who's with that kind of born loser." Kozue still sounds unconvinced, but has no time to reply as the three women stop, listening to the arguments of a couple leaving the love hotel: Akemi: Why are you so hesitant? Godai: But what if we see someone we know? Akemi: Why should we see someone we know around here? Akemi pops out of the entryway, dragging Godai with her. Noticing the young ladies, and recognizing Kozue, she smilingly says, "Good evening!" Godai looks up, and as he catches Kozue's eye, freezes like a deer caught in the headlights. [commercial break] The next morning, Godai-no-kanrinin sweeps the front walk of Ikkoku-kan, remembering with regret how the previous evening's confrontation unfolded: Akemi: Ah, good evening! Godai: (Kozue-chan...!) Kozue's Friend 2: Kozue, do you know them? Kozue: No, I don't. Let's go. Kozue walks past Akemi and Godai in a daze, avoiding Godai's eyes. Her friends hurry to catch up, looking at the pair with curiosity. As he feels concerned with Kozue's feelings, Akemi bursts out of Ikkoku-kan with a bubbly "Morning!", interrupting Godai's train of thought. He's still angry with her, however, and feels no qualms about voicing this to her. Akemi believes his anger is unjustified, since the problem of breaking up with Kozue is no longer an issue. Ichinose runs out of Ikkoku-kan, eager to hear this latest news. (13) "90% chance he'll be dumped," forecasts Akemi. Pressed for more details, she starts to tell Ichinose about the previous night, but is shouted down by a frantic Godai. He motions for her to come over to him, telling her not to spread the story around, and she chides him for his nervousness. Ichinose, who has studied vicariously in the ways of gossip, picks up on the fact that something has transpired between the two. Godai denies it, and Akemi corroborates his story: Akemi: (to Ichinose) Of course not. If something did happen, I'd have a second opinion of him. (14) (to Godai) Anyway, you should be grateful to me, now that you put an end to that with my help. She and Ichinose go back inside, leaving a forlorn Godai thinking he doesn't want this to be the last impression Kozue has of him. Later, Godai telephones Kozue, trying to explain the events of the previous evening. She hangs up on him, and tells her mother it was a wrong number. Ichinose, who has been eavesdropping on Godai, tells him to leave Kozue alone; he'd have to break up with her again anyway. Akemi encapsulates Godai's thinking perfectly: Akemi: You're thinking something like, "Even if we break up, I want to remain in her heart as a beautiful memory," aren't you? (15) Godai tries to deny it, but doesn't sound like he's even managed to convince himself. Godai: That's not it... that's not it at all.... Akemi & Ichinose: (in unison): Ba_ka. Kyoko arrives back at her parents' home with Souichiro-san in tow. Her mother informs her that a tenant of Ikkoku-kan is here to see her. She rushes back, hoping to see Godai, and is surprised to find Ichinose sitting on the couch. (16) Ichinose explains to her that Kozue and Godai have split, leaving out certain choice details (such as the "love hotel" incident). She then implores Kyoko to return. Kyoko: But... didn't he propose to Kozue-san? Ichinose: Ah, that's just a misunderstanding. A simple misunderstanding. Kyoko: But... I never heard-- Ichinose: You never listened, did you? Kyoko agrees to go back the next day. Later that evening, she packs her belongings into her suitcase. Ritsuko is pleased that her daughter is leaving and taking responsibility for herself (and taking the dog with her). Kyoko pensively wonders if Kozue knows about her and Godai. Ichinose relays the happy news of Kyoko's return to the other tenants, then admonishes Godai not to complicate matters by making up with Kozue. Akemi concurs; "it is true that we came out of a love hotel together." Yotsuya is astounded. Yotsuya: Lo...love hotel?! Godai-kun! What have you done? Godai: We just came out! That's all! Yotsuya: You have to go in to come out. Akemi: When I woke up, you were on top of me. Did you do anything? Godai: Hell no! Akemi: If you don't have any guilt, look straight into my eyes. Godai: How can you return the favor with gratitude like that? He looks directly into her eyes... and she leans in and kisses him. (17) "A little thanks," she explains, as Ichinose and Yotsuya exchange shocked whispers. Godai angrily demands that she pay back the hotel bill, and Ichinose and Yotsuya speculate that perhaps something really did happen. Godai gets defensive, and Ichinose tells him to chill out; they're just teasing him. She then warns Akemi not to go too far with the joke, and the loon squad raises a glass to celebrate kanrinin-san's imminent return. The next morning, Godai ties up bags of leaves for disposal. Kentaro races out of Ikkoku-kan, swatting Godai on the rump as he speeds by. Kentaro: 'Morning, kanrinin-san! Godai: Quit that! Kentaro: I know! You're getting fired today, right? Godai grumbles a bit, then remembers why he'll no longer be "kanrinin-san". Perked up, he spins in a circle like an airplane taking wing. Kyoko, meanwhile, is on her way back by cab, (18) but is caught in a traffic jam near the rail crossing. She gets out, deciding to continue on foot. Meandering through the crowd, she stops as she notices Kozue in front of her. Passing by nervously, she greets Kozue, who asks to speak with her for a bit. In a nearby cafe, the despondent Kozue tells her tale of woe: Godai was in love with someone else, and she never knew. Kyoko thinks Kozue is talking about her, and is at a loss for comforting words. Kozue asks Kyoko to tell Godai that she won't see him again, then breaks down in tears. Kyoko offers a handkerchief, but Kozue digs out her own. Kozue: I'm slow, you know? (19) Godai-san is gentle, so I thought he treasured me.... I never thought of him like that. I didn't know he liked THAT kind of woman. (20) Kyoko: (startled) Huh? Kozue: I'm so stupid! Kyoko: Ano... what kind of woman? Kozue: Ikkoku-kan's... Akemi-san. Kyoko: What? That's not possible! Kozue: But I saw them leaving a love hotel together! Kyoko's shocked expression reveals her sense of betrayal at Kozue's tale. At Ikkoku-kan's front gate, the loon squad wonder aloud why Kyoko hasn't returned... or if she's ever going to. The camera tightens in on Godai's face, concerned over his true love's absence. [ Everybody narrates the preview. "Sayonara... Kozue-chan." ] Discussion: ----------- This episode begins the long uphill climb to the climactic "final battle" at ChaChaMaru in episode 92. The problem of Kozue is dealt with, though we don't see how finally until the next episode, and Kyoko is provided with yet another chink in the armor of her relationship with Godai. This is also what I call the "too many coincidences" episode: Kozue and friends *just happened* to walk by the love hotel at the exact right time; Kyoko *just happened* to run into Kozue in downtown Tokeizaka. "Once is happenstance, twice is coincidence, three times is enemy action." Unfortunately for Godai, it's a war zone out there. Footnotes: ---------- (1) I've never seen the kind of long shoehorn that Chigusa-san uses. Is this a common household tool in Japan or elsewhere? (2) The phrase Yotsuya uses is "maa, maa," which is often used to forestall embarrassing conversation or prevent the flare-up of arguments. (3) "Touche'" is the best context-driven translation I can come up with for "Kacho!" (4) The subtitling refers to the amount of Kyoko's bill as "350 yen", which seems expensive for a cup of coffee. Might it be 35 yen? (5) Of course Master wants to keep track of such things; he's interested in Akemi! ^_^ (6) Holding the chopsticks like that is no mean feat, especially while talking -- I've tried! Yotsuya, however, has been gifted with a talent for the legerdemain and unusual. In one episode, he spins a plate atop a wand for rather a long time while conducting a conversation with the other loons. (7) He left in a hurry, too; he's still got his work jacket on. (8) Appropriately enough, a district in Tokyo somewhat infamous for its love hotels is the Roppongi district. Perhaps that's where they're supposed to be? Godai's workplace is close enough that he could get there on foot, so the nightclub quarter must be nearby. A note on love hotels: many people in America have hears of motels which "rent by the hour". Japan, apparently, has eliminated the air of mystery: love hotels are established precisely for such purposes, and make no attempt to be secretive about it. Of course, it says much about Akemi that she came here in the first place.... (9) Godai's a lot closer than he realizes on this point. He almost appears fearful of the idea, too. Wonder what he would do if Akemi offered herself to him.... (10) When Godai found her in the manga, she was wearing a lot less -- a typical (for her) filmy negligee, and panties. (11) This isn't the first time Akemi has semi-consciously mistaken Godai for one of her lovers -- see episode 36. (12) Strange that Kozue and company should be walking through a love hotel district at that time of night. It doesn't seem like their area of town. Oh well, chalk it up to plot convenience. Kozue's friends have been seen before; they showed up in episode 3x, expressing surprise that Kozue's relationship with Godai was still so chaste. (13) Ichinose has ears from hell! She heard this through (very likely) a closed door, down the hall, and outside. She must have gossip radar. (14) In episode 20, Akemi teases Kyoko about how much Godai has "filled out" in the preceding year. It's possible that there's a spark of raw attraction there, tempered by her wise decision not to want to deal with Godai. (15) The manga version of this scene includes an appropriately bombastic background for Akemi's little soliloquy. (16) Ichinose and Ritsuko have met before, and have swapped gossip. Anyone care to lay odds on the possibility that Ichinose told Ritsuko most of the whole story before Kyoko returned home? (17) Godai has been kissed a lot lately: three different women in a relatively short time. (18) The lettering on the side of the cab reads "IXAT". Either this is a bizarre animator's mistake, or the drivers in Japan need to see cabs coming, like ambulances in the States. ^_^ (19) Yes, she is slow, but this is the first time we've heard her admit it to herself. Kawaisou Kozue-chan.... (20) Obviously Kozue doesn't think much of Akemi. Of course, Akemi went to the love hotel to begin with, so her judgment of character is not entirely misplaced. - Jeff Williamson ==================================================================== @ep93 == Episode 93: == == Sight of Spring? == == The Two's Hearts are in Warm Feeling!! == ========================================================================== Discussion: ---------- Jay Ongg on 94.04.01 wrote: You know what always bugged me about the series? At the end, (at the end of AA's episode #93 where they show clips from the manga), in the manga she says, "To tell you the truth, I have always loved you." First of all, what does that line mean? Always loved him since when? Since his rivalry with Mitaka started? Anyway, it seems like such a false statement. No flames, but it just seems false. Her actions in the past did not show love for Godai. Well, some parts, but not all. I suppose she lied to Yagami when Yagami asked her, but would she have lied to Mitaka when Mitaka asked her? Well, he didn't ask her if she loved Godai, but whether or not she was waiting to marry him. With this in mind, I doubt she would have lied to Mitaka about that (since I'm sure she's not the type to ruin other people's happiness) and that she wanted to have a chance to decide about him. Although I'm pretty sure she lied when she said that the thought never crossed her mind (sorry, paraphrase). Anyway, what do you guys think of the line? Perhaps there was a reason it was excluded from the series? I don't know.. --------------- Jeff Williamson on 94.04.01 wrote: --------------- > You know what always bugged me about the series? At the end, (at the > end of AA's episode #93 where they show clips from the manga), in the > manga she says, "To tell you the truth, I have always loved you." You know what bugs me even more about this? That this scene (well, okay, a "less-skin" version for the audiences at home ^_^) was NOT in the anime. In my opinion, it was probably one of the most crucial scenes in the manga. Otherwise, we never get Kyoko truly stating her feelings for Godai (we're back in the anime again), except perhaps for accepting his proposal. > First of all, what does that line mean? Always loved him since when? > Since his rivalry with Mitaka started? > Anyway, it seems like such a false statement. No flames, but it just > seems false. Her actions in the past did not show love for Godai. > Well, some parts, but not all. I read it like this: she has been in love with him for a very long time, but would not admit it to Godai, others, *or even herself*. You don't believe me? There's evidence sprinkled throughout the whole series.... - Irrational jealousy when Godai started dating Kozue-chan - [manga] Nearly kissed him several times. Mitaka never got that far. And when Mitaka questions her about her relationship with Godai, she becomes self-conscious and evades the question. - The lovely "Godai-san... you'll be all right without me?" scene before she runs off to the onsen. - [manga] At the onsen, when they spend hours in silence, finally nearly kissing/doing *something* together, before an ill-timed phone call sends Kyoko running home. (In the anime, Godai passed out in Kyoko's room from drinking too much after they had talked. The impact was horribly lessened.) And that's pretty much in the first half to 2/3 of the series. Even later, when Yagami is trying her damnedest to win Godai-sensei... she talks with the principal of her high school, who knew Kyoko. "If she admitted she was in love with someone else, then in her mind, she would be being unfaithful to her departed husband." (words to that effect) No, what *really* irks me is that the anime writers downplayed EVERY CRUCIAL SCENE which illustrated Kyoko's underlying love for Godai. Every... single... one. Even as far back as the dinner Kyoko cooked for Godai as thanks for tutoring Ikuko-chan: in the manga, she cuts her finger while chopping food, he concernedly rushes over, and they share a long and soulful look before Ikuko-chan interrupts them. In the anime, this is lessened to begin with, and the after-effects are reduced even further by the presence of Kentaro-kun in that scene. (*ARGH!* Obsessive MI fan gnashes teeth.) > With this in mind, I doubt she would have lied to Mitaka about that > (since I'm sure she's not the type to ruin other people's happiness) > and that she wanted to have a chance to decide about him. Although She's still dating Mitaka throughout most of the series, which is part of what's keeping her from just admitting to herself that she is in love with Godai. Mitaka's presence has a damping effect. > I'm pretty sure she lied when she said that the thought never crossed > her mind (sorry, paraphrase). Early in the series, sure, she's telling the truth when she says she's not *that* concerned about Godai. After a while, though? She's fooling herself, and unconsciously lying to others. > Anyway, what do you guys think of the line? Perhaps there was a > reason it was excluded from the series? I don't know.. See above. For whatever reason, the anime re-writers took most of Takahashi's nuance, her elegant style, and tossed it out the window with regards to the two's actual relationship growth. Wow, I didn't intend for this to become quite the rant it has. But I'm convinced more and more that my analysis rings true. It doesn't mean I don't like the anime; it just means I'm more likely to turn back to the manga for a real assessment of Godai and Kyoko's relationship. --------------- Sylvain Rheault on 94.04.01 wrote: --------------- Here's the dialog between Kyoko and Godai from Wideban v10c8, the chapter titled "chigiri" (the pledge). I would like to recall that they were [##Censored by the Morality for Electrons Group (MEG) --- "Say NO to dirty electrons"##]. [## SPOILERS ALERT ## SPOILERS ALERT ## SPOILERS ALERT ##] Kyoko: --- There's something I couldn't say for a long time. Godai: --- What is it? Kyoko: --- To tell you the truth... --- I loved you since way back. Godai: --- Way back? Since when? Kyoko: --- I forgot! MI is a love story that couldn't have been simple, since simple love stories are not interesting. The guy and the gal must be in love with each other, but there must be many obstacles in the way (another lover, a younger sister or brother, and, most important, "uwasa" (rumors)). These are the secret ingredients for stories like MI, UY, KOR and many others. But when exactly did Kyoko start to love Godai? Maybe Takahashi Rumiko doesn't want to tell us... or maybe she wants us to reread the whole series in order to find out ^_^. Happy Easter! ------------- Glenn Tarigan on 94.04.01 wrote: ------------- I've been a bit slow on my e-mailing lately, but I couldn't pass up a chance to reply to this thread. :) (And I see someone beat me to the translation, but I'll post this message anyway :-P) On March 32nd, Jay Ongg wrote: > You know what always bugged me about the series? At the end, > (at the end of AA's episode #92 where they show clips from > the manga), in the manga she says, "To tell you the truth, I > have always loved you." > > First of all, what does that line mean? Always loved him since when? Whew, after reading Jeff's detailed reply to your message, I didn't think I had anything more to add. I was wrong. Here's my two bits: I gather that you haven't seen the manga scene itself. Plus, AA's translation of that manga scene may be misleading. Here's how their lines really go: Kyoko: To tell you the truth... HONTOU wa ne... From a long time ago zutto MAE kara I've loved you. GODAI-san no koto SUki datta no. Godai: ! He looks surprised as she kisses him. (Part of the shock is at what she just said.) Cut to a view of the outside of Ikkoku-kan. It's early morning. Godai: A long time ago... zutto MAEtte... Since when? itsu kara? Kyoko: I forgot! WASUre chatta! I'm sure you've noticed that Arctic Animation didn't show or subtitle those last lines after Kyoko kisses Godai. Feel free to make corrections in my translation, as I haven't figured out how to use my Japanese reference books yet... So that should answer your question "Always loved him since when?" ^_^ Of course it doesn't really. Jeff Williamson has replied: > No, what *really* irks me is that the anime writers > downplayed EVERY CRUCIAL SCENE which illustrated Kyoko's > underlying love for Godai. Every... single... one. Interesting. At first, I liked the anime better than the manga, but the more I understand the manga (thanks to the translations) the better the manga comes off. About the only advantage the anime has is better looking character designs in the early part of the series. (Well, there's also the music, too.) ---------------- Robert Carragher on 94.04.01 wrote: ---------------- Well, since others have answered this, I'll try to avoid duplicating responses, but I have a few yen to toss in. Jay Ongg sez: Bob-> You know what always bugged me about the series? At the end, (at the Bob-> end of AA's episode #92 where they show clips from the manga), in the Bob-> manga she says, "To tell you the truth, I have always loved you." As others have pointed out, not only is this an inaccurate translation, but it's incomplete (there *is* another snippet of dialog that follows this.) However, this is not so much a problem with translations as it is with how the animators decided to alter the original story for the animated version. When I decried the alterations from v7c4 to episode #42, I wasn't being pedantic. Not having watched the whole series, and being forced to watch what little I *have* seen over a period of a couple of years, I can't really describe how much the emotional impact is lessened in the animated version, so I'll let others describe it for me. But because we had been spending so much time analyzing the relationship in parallel with the manga translation, it was easy to spot the reduced "oomph" in episode #42. I'm glad to see my own feelings about this vindicated by others. Bob-> First of all, what does that line mean? Always loved him since when? Bob-> Since his rivalry with Mitaka started? Insofar as this line is concerned, we know that Kyoko has felt something for Godai for a long time. (Remember, the line really goes, "... I've loved you for a long time.") In some sense, she is realizing this for herself after the love-making scene. She has stopped lying to herself. But I don't think she really lied to Mitaka so much as she wanted to avoid committing to Godai who, at the time, appeared to be weak and indecisive. She *wanted* to like him, but she didn't feel she could fully trust in his feelings for her. This may not have been a conscious decision on her part, however; this would be my expectation based on her character. Bob-> Anyway, what do you guys think of the line? Perhaps there was a Bob-> reason it was excluded from the series? I don't know.. This and many other lines (and SCENES!) were excluded from the series. Some liberties were fine, such as completely ignoring Nikaido. IMHO, he doesn't add anything to the series, except comic relief. But many important scenes which were not included, such as the big argument in v7c4, and the love scene (end of v14?) at Ikkoku-kan, should have been, and thus I think the quality of the animated series was correspondingly lessened. IMHO. --------------- Jeff Williamson on 94.04.02 wrote: --------------- Let's see... - Condensing the entirety of manga v7c4-v7c9 into, what, *two* episodes? A travesty. These are the centerpiece of the storyline, forcing Kyoko to evaluate her relationship with Godai. A *very* important story. - Finer subtleties in the Kyoko/Godai onsen chapter, as I mentioned before. (onsen = hot springs, Jay ^_^) - Complete deletion of Kyoko and Godai first abortive attempt at love- making, v14c10 (or 11?). - "Edited for television" version of the beautiful love scene from v15c2, while completely deleting the important denouement dialogue. "I've loved you for a long time." - Hackmaster version of the early story (v2c3?) with Kyoko first cooking dinner for Godai (also as mentioned before). - Complete erasure of Nikkaido Nozomu (resident of room #2) -- as has been said before, no big loss. ^_^ - Rewrite of the "Akemi's kiss" chapter, including deletion of Kyoko and Godai's first accidental kiss. The anime version (episode #36) had its own merits, and was done in a nice "anime noir" style. - The "everyone in a well" episode, apparently a rewrite (for the poorer) from the manga version. - Due to series-length constraints, several chapters never made the anime cut. Scarily enough, some *still* did, even though their pertinence to the ongoing storyline was minimal. This makes NO attempt at being in order... or being comprehensive. But it's a good start. ^_^ Nikkaido's omission from the anime was the one good decision. And while I may be using other elements from Kanketsuhen, Nikkaido *still* will not be present in the "Glass Houses" fanfic continuation. (Coming eventually to a CRT near you! ^_^;) (Now that I've teased everyone with that little blurb...) Mata ne! ------------- Glenn Tarigan on 94.04.02 wrote: ------------- Bob Carragher, on April 1st, wrote: > This and many other lines (and SCENES!) were excluded from > the series. Some liberties were fine, such as completely > ignoring Nikaido. IMHO, he doesn't add anything to the > series, except comic relief. But many important scenes which > were not included, such as the big argument in v7c4, and the > love scene (end of v14?) at Ikkoku-kan, should have been, > and thus I think the quality of the animated series was > correspondingly lessened. (digression time) I wonder... Has *any* prime-time anime series been able to show a love scene as explicit as the one shown in Volume15 Part2 between Kyoko and Godai? (And even then, it was quite tame.) From what I've seen (with respect to TV anime) violence and nudity are okay, but showing sex is not. <.5. .8.> "When did Kyoko fall in love with Godai?" (Revisited) ----------------------------------------- From: "leon chen" Date: Tue, 11 Apr 95 17:13:33 PDT This may be a stupid question that's been asked before, but: Does anyone care to speculate when Kyoko falls in love with Godai? As one of the last chapters of the manga says: Kyoko: The truth is I loved you since long ago. Godai: Since when? Kyoko: I forgot! Date: Tue, 11 Apr 1995 20:11:12 -0700 (PDT) From: "Heart KOR Kimagure! (Sammy)" On Tue, 11 Apr 1995, leon chen wrote: > Does anyone care to speculate when Kyoko falls in love with Godai? As one > of the last chapters of the manga says: > Hard to say... it's hard to say whether Kyoko was concerned about Godai as a resident of Ikkoku-kan or as a person... It is a "process" thing that builds up... I can say though that Kyoko truely likes Godai in the episode where SPOILER!!! alert! Godai breaks his leg and when he hugs her. She didn't give any resistance or reason nor did she do it with sympathy.. Also when she was forced to chose between Mitaka and Godai (in the now famous 6 part? series) she found herself wanting Godai's company to have him tell her that she shouldn't marry Mitaka. From: "Heart KOR Kimagure! (Sammy)" Date: Tue, 11 Apr 1995 22:21:36 -0700 (PDT) On Tue, 11 Apr 1995, leon chen wrote: > However, I think Kyoko was definitely attracted to Godai very,very early attracted?... maaaaybe but then you must remember that very very early in the episodes, she had a barrier between her and other males. She couldn't have been attracted to Godai Until the barrier has been breach (sorry I just watched Voyager:) but came later when Kyoko realized that she had forgotten about her late husband. > since the one time that Godai was drunk and brought her to her room, she > pretty much was going to allow him to have sex with her, but he fell asleep > and she got disappointed. Don't you think so? > Hmm.. was she disappointed? and allowing him to have sex with her? I don't really think so... not Kyoko - at that stage of the relationship anyway. She was probably relieved that the whole tense situation had ended with Godai sleeping peacefully > Isn;t it wide ban vol. 7? Anyways, I have the manga but my japanese is not Hmm, I was referring to the TV episode.. but that's the correct manga issue I think From: "leon chen" Date: Tue, 11 Apr 95 22:05:03 PDT > Hard to say... it's hard to say whether Kyoko was concerned about >Godai as a resident of Ikkoku-kan or as a person... It is a "process" However, I think Kyoko was definitely attracted to Godai very,very early since the one time that Godai was drunk and brought her to her room, she pretty much was going to allow him to have sex with her, but he fell asleep and she got disappointed. Don't you think so? >Godai breaks his leg and when he hugs her. She didn't give any >resistance or reason nor did she do it with sympathy.. Also when she was >forced to chose between Mitaka and Godai (in the now famous 6 part? >series) she found herself wanting Godai's company to have him tell her >that she shouldn't marry Mitaka. Isn;t it wide ban vol. 7? Anyways, I have the manga but my japanese is not very good. I though Kyoko was going to tell Mitaka that she was going to marry him, because she was mad at Godai for staying too late? I'm probably wrong, so if anyone has the translations for those parts (I think it's Wide ban vol 7, chapters 7-11. Thanks. From: John Jones Date: Wed, 12 Apr 1995 09:44:27 -0600 (CDT) > Does anyone care to speculate when Kyoko falls in love with Godai? As one > of the last chapters of the manga says: She was already falling in love with him by the time of his entrance exams, as was obvious from the relief on her face when Godai found out that he'd made it into college. Some may speculate from Ichinose-obasan's behavior in earlier episodes that Kyoko felt something for Godai even before then, since she tried overly hard to help him pass. (This could be just because she was putting 500% into the kanrinin job in order to forget about Souichiro, but I doubt it.) By about ep.4 of the anime, she had fallen in love, though she wouldn't admit it until MUCH later. From: "Tony C. Luu" Date: Wed, 12 Apr 1995 11:03:11 -0700 (PDT) On Tue, 11 Apr 1995, leon chen wrote: > > Hard to say... it's hard to say whether Kyoko was concerned about > >Godai as a resident of Ikkoku-kan or as a person... It is a "process" I agree with this point. It definitely was not "love at first site"...well, for Godai it was, but I don't think for Kyoko. Their relationship was something built up step by step. *****SPOILERS***** > However, I think Kyoko was definitely attracted to Godai very,very early > since the one time that Godai was drunk and brought her to her room, she > pretty much was going to allow him to have sex with her, but he fell asleep > and she got disappointed. Don't you think so? Sounds like what Yotsuya would say. =) But this probably is right. I wouldn't say she was dissapointed though ;). At the end of the episode, she ran into her room crying, saying "baka baka baka." I think that says something about her feelings at the time. > >Godai breaks his leg and when he hugs her. She didn't give any > >resistance or reason nor did she do it with sympathy.. Also when she was I think this is the first time we see her openly allow her feelings to show, even if it were only for a little bit...until an ambulance zooms into the scene. ;) > very good. I though Kyoko was going to tell Mitaka that she was going to > marry him, because she was mad at Godai for staying too late? I'm probably > wrong, so if anyone has the translations for those parts (I think it's Wide > ban vol 7, chapters 7-11. Thanks. Seems more like she was cornered into answering Mitaka. She didn't really have any reason to refuse his proposal considering Mitaka's status. So the only way she could say no was if Godai found out and objected. But we don't really know what her answer would have been if that meeting actually took place do we? ^-^ From: "Christopher J. Noe" Date: Wed, 12 Apr 1995 11:10:10 -0700 (PDT) MI types: I agree with those who suggest that Kyoko started to like Godai very early. The growth of these two characters makes an interesting contrast: Godai has to 'grow up' in various external ways - finish school, choose a career, get a job, etc.; Kyoko has to change internally - she needs to come to terms with the loss of her husband. The real 'competition' is not so much between Godai and Mitaka, as it is between the present and the living vs. the past and the dead. The literal reading of the kanji for widow in Japanese is instructive on this point. From: "Heart KOR Kimagure! (Sammy)" Date: Wed, 12 Apr 1995 14:37:17 -0700 (PDT) On Wed, 12 Apr 1995, Christopher J. Noe wrote: > MI types: > > I agree with those who suggest that Kyoko started to like Godai very > early. The growth of these two characters makes an interesting contrast: I guess I just can't accept the fact the Kyoko actually "LOVES" Godai in the very beginning. First she has Nothing to like him for in the very beginning. It was only through time (and therefore a couple of episodes) that made Kyoko see the true side of Godai. Even though he was undependable he loved her more than anything in the world In the early episodes, seeing that she was so devoted to her dead husband, she Couldn't have fallen in love so quickly. That's my opinion... From: "Heart KOR Kimagure! (Sammy)" Date: Wed, 12 Apr 1995 14:41:56 -0700 (PDT) Forwarding a message for Jeff. It was fortunate that I agreed with his reasoning .. or else I wouldn't have forward the message. JUST kidding ;) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Wed, 12 Apr 1995 08:26:47 -0500 (CDT) From:jeff@casbah.acns.nwu.edu To: Heart KOR Kimagure! Subject: Re: MI-When did Kyoko start liking Godai > > However, I think Kyoko was definitely attracted to Godai very,very early > > attracted?... maaaaybe but then you must remember that very very > early in the episodes, she had a barrier between her and other males. > She couldn't have been attracted to Godai Until the barrier has been > breach (sorry I just watched Voyager:) but came later when Kyoko realized > that she had forgotten about her late husband. Kyoko actually started caring about what Godai was doing at the same time that Godai started dating Kozue-chan. Do you call that love? I don't know, but there was certainly a rather...fervent...jealousy at work. If she really didn't care how he felt about her, she had a funny way of showing it. > > since the one time that Godai was drunk and brought her to her room, she > > pretty much was going to allow him to have sex with her, but he fell asleep > > and she got disappointed. Don't you think so? > Hmm.. was she disappointed? and allowing him to have sex with > her? I don't really think so... not Kyoko - at that stage of the > relationship anyway. She was probably relieved that the whole tense > situation had ended with Godai sleeping peacefully No, she wasn't disappointed--Yotsuya's verbal toying with Godai to the contrary. She had resigned herself to the possibility of drunken rape by Godai. Fortunately for her (and Godai!!), he had had just a bit too much to drink. She was pissed at him for embarrassing her and putting her through the stress of the situation; hence, she pummeled him mercilessly. ^_^ I would agree with other assessments: the confirmation of Kyoko's love for Godai came when he broke his leg saving her. Again (oops, there he goes dragging it back in), the *manga* does a much better job of conveying this. Hell, Kyoko almost *kisses* him when he's asleep in the hospital bed.... Now, in "The Kissing Scene", for example, you can tell she hasn't yet resolved her feelings. *chuckle* --Jeff "What kind of a stupid dream was THAT?!" From: "leon chen" Date: Wed, 12 Apr 95 14:54:17 PDT >> However, I think Kyoko was definitely attracted to Godai very,very early >> since the one time that Godai was drunk and brought her to her room, she >> pretty much was going to allow him to have sex with her, but he fell asleep >> and she got disappointed. Don't you think so? > >Sounds like what Yotsuya would say. =) But this probably is right. I >wouldn't say she was dissapointed though ;). At the end of the episode, >she ran into her room crying, saying "baka baka baka." Well, I interperted the part to mean that she was attracted to Godai but can' t quite admit this to herself or let go of her past. After all, if she really objected to having him carry her, she could have easily wacked him on the head. (Takahashi's females are usually quite strong willed ala Ranma.) Also, when they were in her room whe said "Forgive me Souichiro." Now, I take that to mean that she was attracted to Godai but still had problems reconciling that feeling with the fairly recent death of Souichiro. That is also a possible reason why she ran into room saying "baka, baka, baka" - because she allowed her feelings for Godai to get ahold of her, and then she thought Godai was joking. Besides, she looked kinda of disappointed when Godai fell asleep ;->. >> very good. I though Kyoko was going to tell Mitaka that she was going to >> marry him, because she was mad at Godai for staying too late? I'm probably >> wrong, so if anyone has the translations for those parts (I think it's Wide >> ban vol 7, chapters 7-11. Thanks. > >Seems more like she was cornered into answering Mitaka. She didn't >really have any reason to refuse his proposal considering Mitaka's >status. So the only way she could say no was if Godai found out and >objected. But we don't really know what her answer would have been if >that meeting actually took place do we? ^-^ *spoiler* What do you mean because of Mitaka's status? Because he was sick? So does that mean she *seriously* considered and was about to marry Mitaka over Godai? I was looking over the manga again, and in the part when she was visiting Mitaka's apartment she was expecting him to propose to her. Now, my japanese is not very good so i am not sure if she was planning to accept or not, but right when he grabbed her hands and was about to propose to her, she turned away (and that was before either of them notice the dog jumping out.) Also, it seemed kinda drastic of Kyoko to almost deciding to marry Mitaka (if that's what really happened) to being very panicked and concerned when Godai saw her underneath Mitaka by accident. sorry to post so much. From: "Christopher J. Noe" Date: Wed, 12 Apr 1995 17:08:08 -0700 (PDT) MI types: Gee, we haven't had one of these hot topic discussions on this list for a while. Too bad we can't get together in Apt. 5, and discuss this stuff over a few bottles of sake. . .^_^ In my post, I used the word 'like' on purpose. She didn't fall in love with him immediately, but I think she became interested in him as more than just a tenant very early on. Judging by when she started to get jealous and/or angry at him, she started to have (unacknowledged) feelings for him pretty early in the story. I imagine RT decided to write her character this way because it works well with Godai's cluelessness to set up all of those wonderful misunderstandings that mark the slow, uneven progress of their relationship. (a lot like the way these things frequently work in real life. . .) Christopher Noe noe@uidaho.edu http://www.uidaho.edu/~noe From: Travis Butler Date: Thu, 13 Apr 1995 13:07:15 -0600 >On Wed, 12 Apr 1995, Christopher J. Noe wrote: > >> MI types: >> >> I agree with those who suggest that Kyoko started to like Godai very >> early. The growth of these two characters makes an interesting contrast: > > I guess I just can't accept the fact the Kyoko actually "LOVES" >Godai in the very beginning. First she has Nothing to like him for in >the very beginning. It was only through time (and therefore a couple of >episodes) that made Kyoko see the true side of Godai. Even though he was >undependable he loved her more than anything in the world >In the early episodes, seeing that she was so devoted to her dead >husband, she Couldn't have fallen in love so quickly. That's my opinion... Mmmmmm... well, I'm basing this on the manga, and the Viz translation at that, so feel free to read whatever grains of salt into this you like. Even before the "Alcohol Love Call", she paid special attention to him when he was going off to his first tutoring session with Ikuko. ("You really *must* button your shirt!") It might not have been full-blown *love*, but it was certainly more than a manager's concern for a tenant! I can understand saying there's not much basis shown for *why* her feelings started to change... that's especially true with the Viz edition since they skipped so many chapters. But I think we're shown some hard-to-dispute evidence that her feelings *did* start to change. (I agree with the people who say she was disappointed/frustrated when Godai fell asleep in "Alcohol Love Call" -- the expression when she pounds on him certainly looks like frustration to me. A few pages later in the manga chapter she wonders what she would have done if he hadn't fallen asleep, and then asks herself "Why are we women like this? Even when we ought to know better...") <.8. ==================================================================== @ep96 == Episode 96: == == kono AI aru KAGIri! == == IKKOKU-KAN wa EIEN ni...!! == == or == == AS LONG AS THIS LOVE LASTS! == == IKKOKU-KAN FOREVER. == ========================================================================== [ 93.08.06 11:54 - 12:05 translated footnote from Eo ] = 25 lines [ 93.08.10 20:34 - 20:38 added footnote ] = 34 lines [ 93.08.11 21:16 - 21:19 added footnote ] = 44 lines Footnotes: ---------- Red and White: On celebratory occasions in Japan, the colors red and white are used for decoration. (for somber occasions, like funerals, black and white are used) Notice that the title screens that open and close the commercial break and also the final ending title screen are made up of red letters on a white background. The Shinto Marriage: In Japan, marriages are commonly conducted according to Shintoist rites (however, the Christian style marriage ceremony is also popular (it doesn't matter whether you're a Christian or not, it's mere decorative effect)). Traditionally it would occur at a Shinto shrine, but in modern years in the cities, it takes place in marriage halls that have shinto chapels. These places are decorated with red and white paper which symbolizes good luck. The actual ceremony is fairly short, requiring only twenty or so minutes. The bride and groom give their wedding vows in front of the Shinto deities, the parents of both families, friends and other relatives. Both participants wear traditional garments. The highlight is when the pair sips sake nine times in a rite called SAN-SAN-KU-DO (Three-three-nine-times): three cups, three times, nine sips for both. This ceremony starts with a small cup, followed by a bigger cup and finishing with another slightly bigger cup. The bride sips first out of the first cup; then the groom sips first out of the second cup; and finally the bride sips first again out of the third cup. After the ceremony, many couples host a reception for the many relatives, friends and co-workers. This reception is usually according to occidental style: thus, the newly weds would change to western style clothing. And then after the reception, the couple goes off for their honeymoon. [JANE87] [EVJA89] [LOOK89] DYN: When they're returning to Ikkoku-kan after the reception, the loon squad and Grandma Yukari enter the walkway ahead of Godai and Kyoko; they all say hello to Souichiro, who barks back his greetings. But since the voice actor for Souichiro the dog is the same actor for Yotsuya, Yotsuya is the only one who doesn't say hello, obviously - he can't bark and talk at the same time. Of course, they could have made Yotsuya record his voice on a separate voice track, but it's still significant that Yotsuya did not say anything in that particular scene. [ Sniff... weddings make me sad... So do endings... ] |\ ________| |_________ | ________________ / |_| __________ |/ |__________\ / __________________ |_____ ___ ______\ | | | | | | | | | | | | / / | \___/| /_/ \_____| `FIN' ______________________________________________________________________________ ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ .6.> --- End of part 6 of 8 Maison Ikkoku Guidebook Release 8 Copyright 1995 by the Misery Loves Company